LegalReservation – Supreme Court Reviews Women’s Representation in Legal Panels
LegalReservation – The Supreme Court on Wednesday sought responses from the Centre, state governments and Union Territories over a public interest petition demanding a minimum 30 per cent reservation for women advocates in government legal appointments and empanelments across the country. The matter was taken up by a Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M. Pancholi.
Petition Raises Concerns Over Gender Imbalance
During the preliminary hearing, senior advocate and Supreme Court Bar Association President Vikas Singh informed the court about the difficulties faced by women lawyers in securing positions in government legal panels. Referring to findings from a recent survey conducted by the SCBA, he argued that women continue to face barriers in institutional legal appointments despite increasing participation in the profession.
The Bench briefly heard the submissions and agreed to examine the issue in detail. The matter has now been scheduled for further hearing next week.
Demand for Reservation in Government Legal Posts
The public interest litigation was filed by the Ladli Foundation Trust. The petition requests the court to direct authorities to introduce at least 30 per cent reservation for women advocates in High Court panels, government law officer posts and legal panels connected with Central and State governments as well as Public Sector Undertakings.
According to the plea, government legal appointments play an important role in representing the state before constitutional courts, tribunals and other judicial bodies. Because of this, the petition argues that such positions should reflect equal participation and fair representation in line with constitutional values.
Survey Data Highlighted Before Court
The petition stated that available data indicates a significant lack of representation of women in government legal panels. It claimed that women account for only around one-fourth of panel lawyers in major states, while some regions report even lower participation.
The plea also referred to the SCBA survey, which reportedly found that many women advocates believe government panel appointments are more accessible to men. Based on these findings, the petition called for a mandatory framework to ensure adequate inclusion of women in official legal roles.
Constitutional Principles Cited in PIL
The petition relied on Articles 14 and 15(3) of the Constitution, arguing that women continue to face structural disadvantages in obtaining institutional legal opportunities. It further stated that the absence of women in influential legal positions has affected career advancement and leadership opportunities within the profession.
The plea pointed out that India has never had a woman Attorney General or Solicitor General since Independence. It also noted that none of the Additional Solicitors General appointed for various High Courts are women.
Previous Court Orders Referenced
The petition further referred to earlier Supreme Court directions supporting reservation for women in bar association governing bodies. It argued that similar affirmative measures are legally valid and necessary in government legal appointments as well.
According to the filing, empanelment in government legal bodies often shapes visibility, recognition and opportunities for elevation within the judiciary. The continued underrepresentation of women in such positions, the petition argued, creates long-term professional disadvantages.
Apart from Vikas Singh, advocates Varun Singh and Mudit Gupta also represented the petitioner during the hearing.