The Supreme Court asked the Attorney General to examine objections raised by Senior Advocate Vikas Singh to its directions on women’s reservation in State Bar Councils, with the CJI saying the Court wants effective representation for women, not lip service.
Clarifying its scheme for 30% women’s representation in State Bar Councils, the Supreme Court held that a ‘senior’ woman advocate eligible for co-option need not be a designated senior advocate but one in long practice, that women who contested and lost the Bar Council elections are also eligible, and that the Article 220 bar on former High Court judges practising is no impediment to their co-option. Tripura, with fifteen members, will co-opt one woman.
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant revealed that a robust mechanism is being developed to increase women’s representation in the legal profession. Emphasising his commitment, he said, “I am not a person who only make statements,” while highlighting steps including 30% reservation for women in Bar bodies.
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.
