In a landmark move towards gender inclusivity in the legal profession, the Supreme Court on Monday directed that 30% of posts in the governing councils of district bar associations across Karnataka be reserved for women lawyers. Additionally, the Court ordered that the post of Treasurer in these associations be earmarked exclusively for women.
The ruling extends the Court’s January 24 order concerning the Advocates Association Bengaluru (AAB), which had already implemented the 30% reservation. Noting that elections in other district bar associations were still pending, a Bench of Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh emphasized that the same directive should apply statewide.
“We direct that our January order will apply mutatis mutandis to all district court bar associations. Thus, let the post of Treasurer be reserved for women and 30% of seats in the governing body (be) for women candidates. Each Bar Association shall submit a compliance report to the district and sessions judge,” the Supreme Court ordered.
Meanwhile, in a parallel development, the Karnataka High Court also endorsed the push for gender parity in bar associations. While hearing a plea seeking 33% reservation for women in the Tumakuru District Bar Association (TBA), Justice M Nagaprasanna welcomed the association’s decision to reserve a Joint Secretary post and two executive council seats for women in its upcoming April 5 elections. However, he stressed that such measures must not remain temporary or isolated.
Calling for a systemic overhaul, the High Court observed that bar associations should no longer function as exclusive male-dominated spaces. “It is not only morally compelling but legally expedient for all Bar Associations in general (to ensure) equal right to women qua their representation in every such bar association, which will result in dismantling associations which are hitherto known to be bastions of males or old men’s clubs,” Justice Nagaprasanna remarked.
Underscoring the broader constitutional principle of equality, the High Court further stated, “No woman in the nation or association should ever lament that in a nation governed by a vibrant Constitution, notwithstanding that they are half the world, do not even have half the chance.”
With both the Supreme Court and the Karnataka High Court setting strong precedents, the legal fraternity in Karnataka now faces a crucial shift toward greater gender representation in its governance structures. The directives are expected to set the stage for similar reforms in other states, ensuring that legal institutions become more inclusive and reflective of the diverse professionals they represent.
Case: Deeksha M Amruthesh vs State of Karnataka and ors – Available on LAWFYI.IO
