Lok Sabha Question No. 3572 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-21
Subject: Representation of Women in  Judiciary
Ministry: LAW AND JUSTICE
Asked by: Shri Abhishek Banerjee

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF LAW & JUSTICE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3572 TO BE ANSWERED ON FRIDAY, THE 21 ST MARCH, 2025

## REPRESENTATION OF WOMEN IN JUDICIARY

## 3572. SHRI ABHISHEK BANERJEE:

Will the Minister of LAW AND JUSTICE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has data on the representation of women in the legal profession and in the judiciary services including breakdowns by rank, appointment type, region and trends observed during the last ten years, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and
- (b) the details of policy measures and initiatives being implemented to address systemic discrimination against women in the legal field and judicial services, particularly in relation to recruitment, retention and promotion practices?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF LAWANDJUSTICE; AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS

## (SHRI ARJUN RAM MEGHWAL)

- (a): Data regarding the representation of women in the legal profession and the judiciary, including breakdowns by rank, appointment type, region, and trends over the last ten years, are maintained by relevant authorities such as the Bar Council of India, State Bar Councils, and the judiciary at various levels.

Appointment of Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts is made under Articles 124, 217 and 224 of the Constitution of India, which do not provide for reservation for any caste or class of persons. However, Chief Justices of High Courts have been requested that while sending proposals for appointment of Judges,

due consideration be given to suitable candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, Minorities and Women to ensure social diversity in the appointment of Judges.

Since 2014 till date 06 women judges have been appointed in the Supreme Court and 162 women Judges have been appointed in the High Courts. As on 18.03.2025, there are 02 women Judges working in the Supreme Court and 110 women Judges in High Courts.As on 28.02.2025, there are 7,852 women Judges working in District and Subordinate Courts.

Appointments in District and Subordinate Courts fall under the jurisdiction of State Governments and High Courts, as per Articles 233 and 234 of the Constitution of India. The recruitment process is governed by the rules framed by State Governments in consultation with High Courts, following timelines set by the Hon'ble Supreme Court vide its January 2007 order in the Malik Mazhar Sultan case.

(b): Policy measures and initiatives relating to addressing the issues of systematic discrimination against women in the legal field particularly in relation to recruitment, retention and promotion vest in the domain of the judiciary and the Bar Councils. However, several initiatives have been undertaken by these institutions to promote gender inclusivity and support women in the legal field, as outlined below:

-  The Supreme Court of India and various High Courts have implemented special facilities to support women lawyers. The Supreme Court provides dedicated restrooms, waiting areas, and lounges exclusively for women lawyers.
-  A notable facility is the establishment of a crèche (childcare centre) within the court premises to assist women advocates with young children, along with enhanced security measures such as surveillance systems to ensure safety within the court complex.
-  Similarly, various High Courts across the country have introduced facilities tailored to the needs of women lawyers. Some High Courts have separate

women's bar associations or committees focused on gender-specific concerns, along with exclusive restrooms, lounges, and changing rooms for female advocates.

-  Additionally, many High Courts have improved security through better lighting, CCTV surveillance, and the presence of security personnel, particularly in areas frequented by women lawyers. Courts also conduct gender-sensitization programs and workshops to create awareness about legal rights and workplace safety for women in the legal profession.
-  The Ministry of Law and Justice through the Department of Legal Affairs administers the Advocates Act, 1961. The Act does not contain special provisions for women, as all classes of advocates are treated equally under the law. However, several State Bar Councils and Bar Associations have introduced schemes to support women advocates, including financial assistance.
-  Furthermore, the Bar Council of India (BCI) has directed State Bar Councils to ensure that at least 25% of the members in various Disciplinary and other Committees of the Bar Council are women. This directive aims to enhance women's representation in key decision-making bodies within the legal fraternity, promoting equity and diversity.

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