Supreme Court Justice B.V. Nagarathna has called for at least 30% of law officers at both central and state levels to be women, emphasizing the need for greater gender diversity in India’s legal system. The statement, delivered during a keynote address at a legal conference, has sparked discussions about systemic barriers and the underrepresentation of women in legal professions.
Justice Nagarathna highlighted that despite women’s increasing enrollment in law schools, their representation in senior legal roles remains disproportionately low. “Equal participation of women in legal systems is not just a matter of fairness but also essential for a balanced judiciary,” she stated. Analysts note that her remarks come at a time when the Indian judiciary is under scrutiny for its gender imbalance, with women comprising only about 11% of judges in higher courts.
Experts suggest that achieving this target would require policy reforms, including mentorship programs, transparent appointment processes, and measures to address workplace biases. However, some officials caution that such targets must be implemented cautiously to avoid tokenism and ensure merit-based appointments.
If adopted, this recommendation could significantly reshape India’s legal landscape, encouraging more women to pursue careers in law and fostering inclusivity in judicial institutions.