The Supreme Court mandated 33% reservation for women lawyers in elections for the National Green Tribunal (NGT) Bar Association. A Bench of Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh issued the directive to promote gender representation in the legal profession. The Court also allowed lawyer-members of the NGT Bar Association to vote without mandatory registration with the Bar Council of Delhi. This move highlights the judiciary’s commitment to ensuring inclusivity and equality in legal institutions.
Today, On 19th December, The Supreme Court ordered a 30% reservation for women in Delhi bar associations on a trial basis. A Bench of Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan gave this decision after hearing petitions asking for up to 33% women’s quota in these groups. The goal is to improve gender balance in the legal field. The results of this order will be carefully observed.
Today, On 19th December, The Supreme Court considered a plea seeking 33% reservation for women in Gujarat’s bar associations. Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan, heard the matter, issued a notice on the petition. Emphasizing the importance of gender inclusivity in legal organizations, the case is set for a hearing in January 2025.
The Supreme Court on Monday(18th Nov) criticized the Delhi High Court Bar Association’s handling of women’s reservation petitions, urging a 33% quota. Despite prior recommendations for women’s positions, recent resolutions were rejected amid vocal opposition from a male-dominated meeting. The Court plans to address the issue further on November 29, amid ongoing litigation.
Justice Hima Kohli, at a commemorative event for “100 Years of Women in Law in India,” highlighted the lack of female Attorney General and Solicitor General appointments in 75 years, emphasizing ongoing gender bias. She identified barriers like work-life balance issues, stereotypes, and limited opportunities, calling for reforms to empower women in the legal field.
The Delhi High Court deferred Bar elections in the national capital to December 13. The Court was hearing an application filed by the Secretary of the Delhi High Court Bar Association (DHCBA) to postpone the upcoming polls, initially scheduled for October 19. Two writ petitions were initially filed before the High Court by a few women lawyers. One of the petitions sought directions to all district bar associations in the national capital to implement 33 per cent reservation for women in all Bar elections, and the other sought reservation for women in the Executive Committee of the DHCBA.
Today, On 30th August, Kapil Sibal urged the Chief Justice of India to appoint more women to the higher judiciary, emphasizing the need for gender representation. With only two women judges in the Supreme Court, Sibal highlighted the potential of women in the legal profession and emphasized the challenges they face in rising to leadership positions. Justice Hima Kohli’s distinguished career was also praised.
Today(on 18th July),The Delhi High Court issued notices to several Bar Associations, including the BCI, BCD, DHCBA, and district courts’ Bar Associations, following a plea for 33% reservation for women lawyers in upcoming elections. The plea highlights the lack of female representation in leadership positions and the burden placed on young women lawyers. The detailed hearing is scheduled for August 12.
Delhi High Court Acting Chief Justice Manmohan emphasizes gender equality, asserting that a society aiming for progress cannot constrain half its population. He encourages women lawyers to harness their skills for impactful change at the 3rd Annual Tea Soiree organized by the Delhi High Court Women Lawyers Forum.
Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud, criticized the limited representation of women in Bar Councils and Associations, describing it as an entrenched “old boys club”. He called for a more supportive environment for women to participate and succeed in elections, stressing the shared responsibility of all stakeholders and encouraging women advocates to contest elections and take on positions of responsibility.