CJI calls for better women representation in judiciary

By: WE Staff | Friday, 11 March 2022

Only 17 of the 37 women candidates suggested by the Supreme Court Collegium for appointment as high court judges have been appointed so far, according to Chief Justice of India NV Ramana. The remainder of the names are pending with the national government.

"So far, we've proposed 192 individuals for the upper courts." Women made up 37 percent of the total, or 19 percent. This is a significant improvement over the 11.8 percent of female high court justices who are currently serving. Unfortunately, only 17 of the 37 women who were recommended to high courts have been appointed thus far.

Others are still pending with the government," the Chief Justice remarked in an online statement commemorating the first-ever 'International Day of Women Judges.'

The CJI urged for the reservation of females in legal education, highlighting the need for increased women representation in the field. “I am a strong proponent of affirmative action. To enrich the pool of talent, I strongly propose reservation for girls in legal education. The data proves such a provision has yielded encouraging results in appointing women judicial officers at the district level.”

On April 28 of last year, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution designating March 10 of each year as International Day of Women Judges. India was one of the countries that supported the resolution, which was moved by the Qatar.

Justice Ramana said, “The legal profession still remains male dominated, with severe under-representation of women.” He added that the recognition of March 10 as International Day of Women Judges “is an important step to create awareness and mobilise political will”.

The Chief Justice stated that he is “wholly conscious of the systemic prejudices women have been facing, particularly in Indian society” and pointed out that “one of the main reason for the continuing battle of women in spite of acquiring sufficient skills and knowledge is the lack of adequate representation at the helm of affairs”.

Justice Ramana stated that “the presence of women as judges and lawyers, will substantially improve the justice delivery system. The presence of women on the Bench and in the Bar has more than a symbolic importance. They bring to the law a different perspective, one that is built upon their experience. They also have a more nuanced understanding of the differing impacts that certain laws may have on men and women”.