Supreme Court Directs Implementation of 30% Reservation for Women Advocates in Gujarat Bar Associations
On Friday, the Supreme Court, in Meena A. Jagtap v. Bar Council of India, directed that the position of Treasurer and 30% of the seats in the Executive Committees of the Gujarat High Court and District Bar Associations be reserved for women advocates. The Bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice NK Singh issued the order while hearing a petition seeking 33% reservation for women lawyers in elections to Bar Associations and the Bar Council of Gujarat. The Court, however, deferred consideration of the reservation request concerning the Bar Council of Gujarat, stating that the matter would be examined at a later stage in the broader context of all State Bar Councils and the Bar Council of India.
5/18/20251 min read
The petitioner sought a 33% reservation for women lawyers in the elections of Bar Associations and the Bar Council of Gujarat. The plea emphasized the need for enhanced female representation in legal institutions to promote gender equality within the profession.
The Supreme Court acknowledged the importance of gender inclusivity in legal bodies. Referring to precedents where similar reservations were implemented in the Supreme Court Bar Association, Delhi High Court Bar Association, and Advocates' Association Bengaluru, the Court found no reason to deviate from these established practices. The Bench emphasized that such measures are essential to ensure equitable participation of women in the legal profession.
The Court directed that:
The position of Treasurer in the Executive Committees of the Gujarat High Court and District Bar Associations shall be reserved for women lawyers.
30% of the seats in the Executive Committees of these Bar Associations shall be reserved for women lawyers.
Regarding the petitioner's request for similar reservations in the Bar Council of Gujarat, the Court stated that this issue would be considered at a later stage, taking into account the broader context of all State Bar Councils and the Bar Council of India.
This judgment marks a significant step towards promoting gender equality within the legal profession in Gujarat. By mandating reservations for women in key positions of Bar Associations, the Supreme Court has reinforced its commitment to fostering an inclusive environment that encourages active participation of women lawyers in leadership roles.