Lok Sabha Question No. 854 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-02-07
Subject: Facilities to Women Advocates
Ministry: LAW AND JUSTICE
Asked by: Dr. Ganapathy Rajkumar P

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

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## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 854

## TO BE ANSWERED ON FRIDAY, THE 7 th   FEBRUARY, 2025

## Facilities to Women Advocates

## 854. Dr. Ganapathy Rajkumar P:

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

- (a) the details of the facilities being provided to women advocates in Supreme Court and various High Courts in the country;

(b) the steps taken by the Government for adequate financial help to women advocates in the country;

(c) whether there is any reservation for women advocates for enrolment in Bar Association Job and Higher Education;

- (d) if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

MINISTER  OF  STATE  (INDEPENDENT  CHARGE)  OF  THE  MINISTRY  OF LAW  AND  JUSTICE;  AND  MINISTER  OF  STATE  IN  THE  MINISTRY  OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS

## (SHRI ARJUN RAM MEGHWAL)

(a) :  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  center)  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.
- (b) : The Ministry of Law and Justice, Department of Legal Affairs is concerned with the administration of the Advocates Act, 1961, under the provision of the said Act, there is no special provision for women. All class of Advocates are treated at a same pedestal. While central legislation may  not provide gender-specific provisions, various State Bar Councils/Bar  Association  shave  introduced  schemes  to  support  women  advocates  in various ways including financially.
- (c) to  (e):  The  Advocates  Act,  1961  does  not  provide  any  specific  provisions  for  the reservation of women. The Act treats all classes of advocates equally. As informed by the BCI, it has proactively directed the State Bar Councils to co-opt at least 25% women into various  Disciplinary  and  other  Committees  of  the  Bar  Council.  This  directive  aims  to ensure  greater  representation  of  women  in  key  decision-making  bodies  within  the  legal fraternity, thereby fostering an environment of equity and diversity.

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