Delhi High Court Seeks Responses on 33% Reservation for Women Lawyers in Bar Elections
The Delhi High Court has asked for responses from the Bar Council of India (BCI), Bar Council of Delhi (BCD), Delhi High Court Bar Association (DHCBA), and all district courts’ Bar Associations regarding a plea to reserve 33% of seats for women lawyers in upcoming elections.
Details of the Plea
The Division Bench, led by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, issued notices to the respondents. The plea was moved by advocates Shobha Gupta and Sanskriti Shakuntala Gupta, who argue that despite the increasing number of women in the legal profession, their representation in leadership roles remains minimal.
Arguments Presented
Senior Advocate Pinki Anand, representing the petitioners, cited a recent Supreme Court decision to reserve seats for women in the Supreme Court Bar Association Election 2024. The plea emphasizes that women lawyers face unique challenges that can only be fully understood by female representatives.
Historical Context
Since India’s independence, there has been no woman Chairperson of the Bar Council of Delhi, and only two women have held significant positions in its 64-year history. The plea argues that this lack of representation is burdensome for young women lawyers and calls for immediate action.
Next Steps
The court has scheduled a detailed hearing for August 12 to further discuss the matter.
Doubts Revealed
Delhi High Court -: The Delhi High Court is a big building where important judges work. They make decisions about laws and help solve big problems in Delhi.
33% Reservation -: This means that out of every 100 seats, 33 seats are kept only for women. It’s like saving a special spot for them.
Women Lawyers -: These are women who have studied law and help people with legal problems. They work in courts and give advice about laws.
Bar Elections -: These are elections where lawyers vote to choose their leaders. It’s like choosing a class monitor but for lawyers.
Bar Associations -: These are groups of lawyers who work together to help each other and make sure everyone follows the rules.
Plea -: A plea is like a request. Here, some lawyers are asking the court to make a rule to save seats for women.
Advocates -: Advocates are another word for lawyers. They help people in court and give legal advice.
Shobha Gupta and Sanskriti Shakuntala Gupta -: These are the names of two women lawyers who are asking the court to save seats for women.
Leadership Roles -: These are important positions where people make big decisions. Like being the captain of a team.
Supreme Court -: The Supreme Court is the highest court in India. It makes the most important decisions about laws in the country.
