The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed the Delhi High Court Bar Association (DHCBA) and district court bar associations in the National capital to jointly formulate a structured and institutionalised mechanism to ensure representation of women in their governing bodies for the 2027 Bar elections.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V Mohana directed the Coordination Committee of All District Court Bar Associations of Delhi to consult the DHCBA and other bar bodies and submit an “all-acceptable solution.”
The Court granted six weeks for the consultations, observing that any impediments or bottlenecks should be identified and resolved well in advance.
Framing the issue as a test of its “leadership, statesmanship, stewardship,” and “prestige,” the Bench urged the DHCBA and the coordination committee to reach an “all-acceptable solution.” The Court expressed confidence that a “structured, institutionalised representation mechanism” would be established, eliminating the need for further judicial intervention.
The order was passed on a petition filed by advocate Fozia Rahman seeking reservation for women lawyers in the DHCBA.
In December 2024, the Supreme Court had, on an experimental basis, reserved the post of treasurer for women across all Delhi bar associations and one post of designated senior member executive for women in the DHCBA. It had also directed reservation of 30% of executive committee posts for women in all Delhi district court bar associations.
The Court had emphasised the constitutional mandate for women’s representation in governance, drawing a parallel with reservations in panchayats and other local self-government institutions, and observed that the principle should extend to the legal profession.
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