Supreme Court Bar Association Flags 'Disproportionately Low' Number of Women Judges
The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) has passed a resolution expressing grave concern over the poor representation of women in the higher judiciary. The lawyers' body noted that no woman has been appointed to the Supreme Court since 2021 and that several High Courts, including Uttarakhand and Meghalaya, have no women judges. Of approximately 1,100 sanctioned High Court posts, only 103 are held by women. The SCBA has urged the Chief Justice of India and the Collegium to prioritise women's elevation.
Unpacked:
Systemic barriers, gender bias, and entrenched male-dominant networks hinder women's advancement in the judiciary. The lack of reservation policies at higher levels, limited opportunities for elevation from the Bar, and expectations to conform to traditional norms further restrict women's representation in the Supreme Court and High Courts.
India has never had a woman Chief Justice of India. Since 1950, only 8 judges in the Supreme Court have been female. Justice Nagarathna is expected to become the first woman Chief Justice, but only for a few days in 2025. Women’s appointments to top positions have remained low, with no consistent upward trend.
Most states have reservations for women in district and subordinate courts, but there are no such provisions for appointments to the High Courts or Supreme Court. The government has discussed enhancing gender diversity with the judiciary but has not introduced reservations at higher levels.
India's representation of women judges in the higher judiciary is relatively low compared to some countries that have implemented quotas or proactive diversity policies. Lessons from abroad include adopting formal gender quotas, transparent appointment processes, and mentoring programs to promote gender balance in judicial systems.