New Delhi, March 17, 2025
Supreme Court Justice BV Nagarathna has advocated for a significant increase in female representation among government law officers, urging that at least 30% of legal positions representing the Union and state governments be held by women. She made this statement while speaking at a legal conference in New Delhi, emphasizing the need for gender inclusivity in India’s legal system.
Justice Nagarathna, who is set to become India’s first female Chief Justice in 2027, highlighted the systemic barriers that prevent women from advancing in the legal profession. She noted that while women have made strides in law school admissions and early legal careers, they remain significantly underrepresented in higher judicial positions and government-appointed law offices.
“Women’s perspectives bring essential diversity to legal decision-making. Ensuring their representation is not just about equality but about strengthening the justice system,” she stated.
Barriers to Women’s Representation
The Indian judiciary has historically been male-dominated, with only 4 out of 34 Supreme Court judges currently being women. Similarly, the percentage of female legal officers in government-appointed positions remains low. Some of the key challenges include:
Lack of mentorship and leadership opportunities for female lawyers.
Work-life balance challenges, with traditional expectations often discouraging women from long legal careers.
Gender bias in judicial appointments and promotions.
A Step Towards Gender Equity
Justice Nagarathna’s remarks come at a time when India is witnessing broader discussions on women’s empowerment in governance. The recently passed Women’s Reservation Bill mandates 33% representation for women in Parliament and state legislatures, setting a precedent for gender-inclusive policies in other sectors, including the judiciary.
Senior advocates and legal scholars have welcomed her proposal, with many calling for structured reforms, including reserved seats for women in government legal positions and better support systems for female advocates.
Social Media Reactions & Call to Action
The statement has sparked conversations across social media, with activists and legal experts backing the demand for higher female representation. #SheDeservesTheBench and #EqualJusticeEqualVoice have trended on X (formerly Twitter), with many urging the government to implement concrete policies.
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