From Exclusion To Inclusion: Women’s Place In The Indian Judiciary
- IJLLR Journal
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Suruchi Kumari, Central University of South Bihar
ABSTRACT
Despite a gradual rise in the number of women entering the legal profession, their representation within the Indian Judiciary, particularly in senior and leadership positions remains markedly low. This article draws upon the news report “SC Judge: Need more women for gender neutral judiciary” published in The Times of India. It references the observations of supreme court Justice B.V. Nagarathna, who is set to become India’s 54th Chief Justice and the first woman to hold this office in 2027. This paper examines the Gender composition of judges in constitutional courts, Impediments to Women’s Career Growth in the Indian Judicial System and Initiatives Promoting Gender Inclusivity in the Judiciary and argues that Legal reforms, workplace inclusivity and mentorship are crucial for achieving true gender equality.
Introduction
India, as a nation, has continued to grapple with deeply rooted gender biases and social prejudices since the time it gained independence. Indian judiciary is no exception, as it continues to mirror longstanding patterns of male dominance.Women have long encountered structural, cultural, and professional obstacles that limit their entry into and progression within the judicial system. Despite progress made by women in legal and judicial fields, their presence remains significantly limited, especially in positions of authority and leadership.
However, this significant gender gap requires more positive actions to achieve an equitable and inclusive judiciary that value the rule of law and the principles of equality proposed in the Constitution of India. Women judges bring invaluable perspectives, especially in cases involving gender justice, child welfare, and domestic violence (Menon,2019). However, most prevalent barriers, such as institutional gender bias, entrenched social expectations, and the absence of adequate support structures, continue to hinder women’s advancement and representation. Addressing these issues is not only a matter of fairness but also a means to strengthen the judiciary’s capacity to serve the diverse needs of the population effectively.
