New Delhi: The issue of 30% reservation for women lawyers has reached the supreme court, as it issued notice on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) demanding better representation of women in government legal panels. The plea highlights serious gender imbalance in legal appointments across India and calls for urgent reforms to ensure equal opportunity.
Details of 30% Reservation for Women Lawyers
- A PIL has been filed by Ladli Foundation Trust.
- It seeks a minimum 30% reservation for women lawyers.
- The demand covers:
- Government legal panels
- High Court panels
- Central and State appointments
- Public Sector Units (PSUs)
30% Reservation for Women Lawyers: What the Supreme Court Said
- A bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant (as per report context) issued notice.
- Other judges on the bench:
- Justice Joymalya Bagchi
- Justice Vipul M. Pancholi
- The Court has asked:
- Central Government
- State Governments
- to respond to the PIL.
30% Reservation for Women Lawyers: Key Points Raised in the PIL
- Women are underrepresented in legal positions of authority.
- Even when women are included in panels:
- They are not always assigned cases.
- There is a need for:
- Fair allocation system
- Transparent selection process
Data Highlighted in the Petition
- Total advocates in India: ~15.4 lakh
- Women advocates: ~2.8 lakh (approx. 15.31%)
This shows a major gender gap in the legal profession.
Major Concerns Highlighted
- No woman has been appointed as:
- Attorney General of India
- Solicitor General of India in decades
- Very few women reach:
- Senior legal roles
- Higher judiciary positions
- Only a small number of women judges have been elevated to the Supreme Court.
Constitutional Arguments
The PIL argues violation of fundamental rights under:
- Article 14 – Equality before law
- Article 15(3) – Special provisions for women
- Article 19 – Freedom of profession
- Article 21 – Right to dignity
