The Supreme Court on Friday issued notice on a writ petition filed by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) seeking comprehensive institutional reforms aimed at improving the professional environment and career progression of women advocates across the country.
A Bench of the apex court sought responses from the Union Government, the Bar Council of India (BCI), all State Bar Councils and other concerned authorities on the issues raised in the petition, which calls for the formulation of a uniform framework to address structural barriers faced by women in the legal profession.
The petition has been instituted on the basis of findings from the SCBA’s nationwide survey of women advocates, which documented persistent challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, unequal access to professional opportunities, safety concerns, lack of childcare facilities, limited representation in decision-making bodies and difficulties in balancing litigation practice with caregiving responsibilities.
Relying on the survey, the SCBA has sought judicial directions for the implementation of gender-responsive measures across courts and bar associations. The proposed reforms include the creation of crèche facilities within court complexes, dedicated sanitation and rest areas, transparent and equitable chamber allotment policies, mechanisms to prevent workplace harassment, mentorship programmes, flexible institutional support for young mothers and increased representation of women in bar bodies and other professional institutions.
The plea asserts that despite the growing participation of women in the legal profession, institutional arrangements have not kept pace with their evolving needs. It contends that the absence of uniform policies has resulted in unequal working conditions for women advocates across different jurisdictions, thereby undermining their ability to participate in the justice delivery system on an equal footing.
Taking note of the submissions, the Supreme Court issued notice to the respondents and agreed to examine the issues raised in the petition. The matter will now be considered after the concerned authorities file their responses.
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