Supreme Court judge Justice BV Nagarathna on Saturday called for increased participation of women in the legal profession, stating that it would lead to 00000diversity in the judiciary.
Addressing a seminar in Mumbai on ‘Breaking Glass Ceiling: Women Who Made It,’ organised by the University of Mumbai, Justice Nagarathna, who is set to become the first woman Chief Justice of India in 2027, said that more women Advocates should be elevated as High Court judges.
If male Advocates under 45 years could be appointed to the High Courts, why couldn’t competent women counterparts be chosen for the same, she asked.
She further said that at least 30 percent of law officers representing the Union and state governments must be women.
Stressing on the need to recognise talent in women and giving them sufficient opportunities for its demonstration, the Apex Court judge said in addition to larger changes needed in general attitudes, several individual approaches could help in lessening the impact of the glass ceiling and may contribute to its elimination someday.
The event was organised to mark the Centenary celebrations of Cornelia Sorabjee, a social reformer and writer, who became the first female graduate from Bombay University and the first woman to study law at Oxford University. She later became the first female lawyer of India.
She said it was important to celebrate the achievements of women who broke the glass ceilings. By recognising and honouring their contributions, a powerful message would be sent that women’s leadership was valued and celebrated. Their stories need to be told and retold as part of a community of women, inspiring others to follow in their footsteps, she added.
Justice Nagarathna expressed concern over the fact that the law to give 33 percent reservation to women in Parliament and State Assemblies has not been given effect till date.
She said athough a law was enacted to give 33 percent reservation for women in Parliament in September 2023, the same has not given effect till date. As in 2024, women held only 14 percent seats in the Lok Sabha and 15 percent in the Rajya Sabha. Less than seven percent ministerial positions are currently occupied by women, she added.
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