The Karnataka High Court Today (Jan 8) dismissed petitions seeking 33% reservation for women advocates in the Advocates Association Bengaluru (AAB) governing body, citing its lack of authority to interfere in ongoing elections and the absence of such provisions in AAB’s by-laws. The court referenced the Supreme Court’s powers under Article 142, which the High Court does not possess, and suggested the petitioners approach the Supreme Court for relief. AAB assured the court it would consider the demand for reservation and amend its by-laws after the upcoming elections on February 2.
The Allahabad High Court stressed that the judicial system must prioritize the expeditious disposal of maintenance cases concerning destitute women who are left without support from their parents, in-laws, or husbands. Justice Vinod Diwakar added that it was necessary to ensure that justice is not delayed for those struggling for basic maintenance and dignity in society.
Justice Nagarathna believes that the judiciary becomes truly representative when more women are on the bench. She elaborates that this inclusivity aligns with the principles of justice and the Constitution, ensuring diverse perspectives in adjudication. Justice BV Nagarathna, soon to make history as the first woman Chief Justice of India (CJI), shared her thoughts on her journey, her father’s inspiring legacy, and the evolving judicial system in India.
Today, On 16th December, the Supreme Court requested the Centre to respond to a plea for nationwide guidelines to ensure women’s safety amid rising violence. Representing the Supreme Court Women Lawyers Association, advocate Mahalakshmi Pawani emphasized unreported sexual abuse cases, urging strict measures. The court seeks to address systemic issues and improve public safety standards.
Today, On 13th November, the Supreme Court criticized the practice of “bulldozer justice,” highlighting the negative impact on vulnerable families, particularly women and children. The Court established guidelines mandating due process before demolitions, stressing that homes symbolize significant socio-economic aspirations and cannot be eliminated based solely on accusations.
The Supreme Court ruled against the dismissal of Manish Ravindra Panpatil, a sarpanch in Maharashtra, emphasizing that removing elected representatives, especially women from rural areas, must be taken seriously. The court criticized systemic discrimination and insufficient investigations into allegations, reinstating Panpatil and highlighting the importance of supporting women’s leadership in governance.
The article critiques society’s desensitization to rape and the reactionary nature of legislative changes that follow high-profile cases of sexual violence. It highlights West Bengal’s “Aparajita Woman and Child Bill 2024,” which introduces the death penalty for rapists, as an example of this approach. The author argues that new laws aren’t the solution, pointing to the ineffectiveness of existing legislation due to poor enforcement and deeper societal issues like patriarchy and the objectification of women. The article calls for a shift from creating more laws to ensuring the proper implementation of existing ones, while addressing underlying misogyny to bring about real change.
The Supreme Court has issued a notice on a PIL regarding inadequate representation of women, queer individuals, persons with disabilities, and marginalized communities in the Bar Council of India and State Bar Councils. The petitioner urged recognition and addressed disproportionate representation, emphasizing the need for proportional representation in these councils for a more equitable legal profession.
Two lawyers from the Bombay High Court filed a complaint with the Mumbai Police alleging discrimination against regular devotees at the Lalbaugcha Raja pandal. A viral video showed staff pushing regular visitors while VIPs were treated differently. The mistreatment of common people during the darshan of Lord Ganesha was highlighted, sparking concern over unequal treatment.