Women Should Be Given Preference In Appointment Of Panel Advocates; Girls Must Have Reservation In Legal Education : CJI Ramana

Speaking at a virtual event organised to celebrate the International Day of Women Judges, the Chief Justice of India NV Ramana opined that women should be given preference while making appointments as panel advocates, which can increase their appearances and visibility before the bench."A woman being a natural multi-tasker is bound to succeed in any given profession. But, if she is dependent on only a few personal briefs which come her way, her appearance before the courts is minimised. The bench will also not be in a position to recognise her. Hence, women should be given preference while making appointments as panel advocates which will pave their path to the bench", CJI Ramana said.Pointing out that a good number of women law graduates are compelled to give up their professional ambitions due to societal expectations, the CJI spoke of the need to create enabling environment for women to pursue their career in law."There are numerous factors behind the under-representation of women in judiciary. The primary reason is deeply ingrained patriarchy in our society. Women often have to face hostile atmosphere within the courtrooms. Harassment, lack of respect from members of the Bar and Bench, the silencing of their opinions, are some of the other traumatic experiences often recounted by many women lawyers. Resultantly, out of nearly 17 lakhs advocates registered in the country, only 15% are women. The absence of inclusivity in the thought process sustains this anomaly", he said."Balancing personal and professional life is a huge challenge for women. Though they excel as students, the domestic issues prevent them from pursuing their passion. This is where the family, fellow members of the Bar and the Bench need to provide necessary encouragement", the CJI added.To enrich the pool of talent, the CJI also strongly proposed reservation for girls in legal education. Doing my best to correct gender imbalance in judiciaryIn his address, the CJI said that he is doing his best to correct the gender imbalance in the judiciary."After I assumed the office of Chief Justice of India, we have so far filled 9 vacancies in the Supreme Court out of which 3 vacancies were filled with women...For the High Courts, we have recommended so far 192 candidates. Out of these, 37, that is 19% were women. This is certainly an improvement over the percentage of incumbent women judges in High Courts which stands at 11.8%", he said."Unfortunately, so far only 17 of the 37 women recommended to High Courts were appointed. Others are still pending with the Government", he added.Narrating his personal experiences, the CJI said that his life was shaped by "exemplary women"."I grew up as the youngest brother to two sisters. My mother, though not highly educated, was worldly-wise and taught me invaluable lessons of life. For the last nearly four decades, I am being supported and guided by the wise counsel of my wife. I am also a proud father of two daughters. Bringing them up was a great learning for me. All these women in my life have deeply influenced the way I think and act", he said.Presence of women in bench will bring new perspectivesThe presence of women in the bench is more than symbolic importance, the CJI said, as they bring to the law a different perspective, which is built on their experiences.They also have a more nuanced understanding of the differing impacts that certain laws may have on men and women, the CJI opined.He cited the examples of Corenlia Sorabjee, the first woman law graduate in India, and Justice Fathima Beevi, the first woman Supreme Court judge."Diversity of experience brings in diversity in opinions", he commented.On an earlier occasion, the CJI had invoked a quote from Karl Marx to comment ""Women of the world, unite; You have nothing to lose but your chains". Referring to that, he said today : "That call of mine was sought to be projected as instigating a revolution. If giving women their due share is a revolution, I would be very happy to be branded as a revolutionary. I whole heartedly welcome such a revolution".The four women Supreme Court judges, Justices Indira Banerjee, Bela Trivedi, BV Nagarathna and Hima Kohli, also spoke on the occasion,Full text of CJI's address :At the outset, I would like to thank the Secretary-General and Registrars of the Supreme Court, Registrars-General of various High Courts and the Technical Staff of Supreme Court and all the courts across the country and NIC for organizing this event at a very short notice of two days. I appreciate the round the clock efforts that you have made to make this programme a success.I am given to understand that about 6,000 Judges from across the country have joined this programme. I am told more than 8,000 viewers are watching this programme now online. I welcome you all.It was my Sister Ms. Justice Hima Kohli who reminded me of this 'Day'. I must admit, only after that reminder, I solicited the suggestions of all the Sister Judges from Supreme Court...

Women Should Be Given Preference In Appointment Of Panel Advocates; Girls Must Have Reservation In Legal Education : CJI Ramana

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