Chief Justice NV Ramana backs 50% representation of women in the Indian Judiciary system and called upon to increase the gender diversity in legal education.
Justice NV Ramana.
“In High Courts, women judges constitute 11.5%, here in Supreme Court we currently have four women judges out of the sitting 33. That makes it just 12%. Of the 1.7 million advocates, only 15% are women. Only 2% of the elected representatives in the State Bar Councils are women. No woman member in the Bar Council of India.”
The CJI quoted Karl Marx and said, “Women of the World, Unite! You have nothing to lose but your chains.”
The Chief Justice also mentioned about the lack of infrastructure in courts, gender stereotypes and social attitudes that caused hindrances in women’s way to enter the legal profession.
CJI NV Ramana.
“The National Judicial Infrastructure Corporation I have proposed will ensure inclusive design of Court complexes. We need to create more welcoming environment.”
Justice BV Nagarathna, who sworn in as a judge of Supreme Court on 1st September, appreciated NV Ramana’s remarks and said, “Women’s visibility as judicial officers can pave the way for women’s greater representation, in others decisions, making positions, such as in legislative and executive branches of the government.”
The Chief Justice pointed out that these matters need “urgent correction” and asked the women to “shout with anger” and demand 50% reservation for themselves in the Courts.