Chief Justice of India (CJI) D Y Chandrachud commented on the significant increase in the number of female judicial officers, highlighting that this is a trend observed nationwide. At the beginning of the proceedings, CJI Chandrachud announced, “We would like to share some uplifting news. In the back row of the courtroom, we have a group of 75 judges from the civil judge junior division in Maharashtra. Out of this group, 42 are women, and 33 are men.”
“This is a trend observed across the country, with a higher number of women judges,” said CJI Chandrachud, who presided over the bench with Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra. Several attorneys, including senior advocate Dushyant Dave, encouraged the CJI to take steps to enhance the representation of women judges in the apex court.
“The appointments made today mirror the state of the bar 15 years ago,” CJI Chandrachud noted.Former Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) president and senior lawyer Vikas Singh recently penned a letter to the CJI, emphasizing the importance of designating one-third of judicial positions to women in the higher judiciary. He referred to a Bill passed in Parliament that reserves one-third of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.
Vikas Singh, serving three terms as the SCBA president, highlighted that the high courts of Patna, Uttarakhand, Tripura, Meghalaya, and Manipur currently lack female judges. In contrast, only 103 women judges serve compared to 670 male judges in the other 20 high courts.
Presence of female judges in the Indian judiciary
The Indian judiciary has witnessed significant and transformative growth in the presence of female judges over the years. In a nation as multifaceted and dynamic as India, the inclusion of women in the judicial system symbolizes an essential stride towards gender equality and justice. This essay delves into the evolution, challenges, and positive repercussions of having female judges in the Indian judiciary.
Historical Perspective
The roots of female judgeship in India date back to the early 20th century. Anna Chandy holds the distinction of being the first female judge in India, appointed to the Travancore High Court in 1937.
From then on, the representation of female judges in the judiciary has seen a consistent rise, albeit at a measured pace.
Evolution and Progress
Factors like legal reforms, growing awareness about gender equality, and women’s determination to overcome traditional hurdles have all contributed to the increased number of female judges in recent times.
Legal Reforms: Key legislative changes, such as the 73rd and 74th Amendments to the Indian Constitution, reserved a third of the seats in local bodies for women. This move not only fortified women’s roles at the grassroots but also inspired more women to venture into law and subsequently, the judiciary.
Increased Representation: The trend of appointing female judges to the Supreme Court and high courts countrywide has gained momentum. Such appointments not only challenge existing norms but also inspire more women to aim for pinnacle positions in the legal arena.
Challenges: Women, akin to their counterparts in other professions, need to balance their rigorous professional lives with family obligations—a feat that’s occasionally demanding, considering the judiciary’s intense work hours and responsibilities.
Limited Representation in Leadership Roles: The representation of women in pivotal roles, such as Chief Justices, remains scarce. Bridging this gap is pivotal for genuine gender equality in the judiciary.
Positive Impact
Female judges’ inclusion in the Indian judiciary has brought forth several benefits: Diverse Perspectives: The unique experiences and perspectives of female judges enrich the judicial decision-making process, ensuring well-rounded judgments.
Inspiring Future Generations: Their presence serves as a beacon for upcoming female lawyers and judges, motivating them to chase their legal aspirations.
Sensitivity to Gender Issues: Female judges often exhibit an acute awareness of gender-centric issues, from domestic violence to women’s rights, ensuring these subjects are treated with the gravity they deserve.
In conclusion, the increasing representation of female judges in the Indian judiciary underscores the nation’s dedication to gender equality and justice.
While significant strides have been made, there remains a pressing need to address persisting challenges and aim for heightened gender parity in the legal domain. Female judges’ invaluable contributions are vital for upholding justice, equality, and societal fairness.
