Today, On 24th January, The Supreme Court directed that the post of Treasurer in the Advocates Association Bengaluru (AAB) be reserved for women. The Court also instructed the association to ensure representation of women lawyers in its governing council. This move aims to promote gender equality and inclusivity in the legal profession. The decision highlights the importance of women’s participation in leadership roles within legal bodies.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court ordered that the position of treasurer in the governing body of the Advocates Association, Bengaluru (AAB) be reserved for women candidates.
A Bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and N. Kotiswar Singh issued this directive while hearing a plea from the Karnataka Federation of Women Lawyers, which sought 33 percent reservation for women advocates in the AAB’s governing body.
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The Court stated,
“Under Article 142, we direct that the post of treasurer shall be exclusively for a woman candidate. For this purpose, the high-powered committee and chief returning officer shall extend the nomination deadline and have the liberty to defer the election date,”
The Court also instructed that women lawyers be adequately represented in the governing council of AAB.
This order was made after the Court observed the absence of any express provision reserving posts for women lawyers.
The Court remarked,
“Thus, we are of the prima facie view that women must be given representation in the executive body of AAB,”
The Supreme Court’s decision came in response to appeals against a ruling from the Karnataka High Court, which had dismissed petitions seeking such reservations. Justice R. Devdas had previously rejected the petitions filed by Advocate Deekshana Amruthesh and the Karnataka Federation of Women Lawyers, noting that the High Court lacked the authority to interfere once the election process was underway.
The High Court pointed out that the existing by-laws of AAB did not provide for any reservation for women advocates, making it unable to mandate such provisions. However, the Supreme Court took a different stance, emphasizing the need for reservations for women in bar associations.
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The Supreme Court stated,
“The High Court has noted that this court has passed orders under Article 142. Since parity is needed, it is high time to provide representation to women in different elected bodies,”
Previously, the Supreme Court issued similar directives regarding bar bodies in Delhi, including the Delhi High Court Bar Association (DHCBA). An order on December 19 reserved the treasurer position for women in all bar associations in Delhi and allocated one post for a Designated Senior Member in the Executive Committee to women.
Additionally, 30% of the positions in the Executive Committees of bar associations in Delhi’s district courts were also directed to be reserved for women. This order was subsequently extended to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) Bar Association in Delhi as well.