Supreme Court Justice BV Nagarathna has urged the government to reserve at least 30% of legal advisory roles for women, emphasizing the need for systemic change in a field long dominated by men.
Speaking at a seminar titled “Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Women Who Made It,” she argued that ensuring women’s representation in government legal panels and public sector advisory roles is crucial for breaking entrenched gender barriers.
“As far as the legal profession is concerned, at least 30% of law officers representing the Central or State governments must be women,” she stated. “Similarly, at least 30% of all legal advisors in public sector undertakings and government agencies should be women.”
Justice Nagarathna also highlighted a glaring inconsistency in judicial appointments, questioning why competent female advocates under 45 years of age are often overlooked for High Court judgeships, while their male counterparts face no such barrier.
“If men below 45 can be appointed as High Court judges, why not equally capable women?” she asked.
The seminar, organized by the University of Mumbai and the Indian Council of Social Science Research, was part of centenary celebrations honoring Cornelia Sorabji, India’s first female advocate. Justice Nagarathna reflected on Sorabji’s legacy, noting how she fought legal battles for purdah-clad women who had no direct access to the courts.
She also paid tribute to pioneering figures like Justice Anna Chandy, India’s first female High Court judge, and Justice Fathima Beevi, the first woman appointed to the Supreme Court. These women, she pointed out, faced not only institutional barriers but also societal resistance.
Beyond the judiciary, she called for greater recognition of Asha workers, caregivers, and homemakers, whose contributions often go unnoticed.
“Managing households and raising children requires leadership, intellectual ability, and creativity,” she said, emphasizing that a woman’s progress should not be stifled by marriage, motherhood, or societal expectations.
Justice Nagarathna urged a fundamental shift in mindset, stressing that education and sustained workforce participation are key to dismantling gender inequality.
“When girls are educated, they are empowered to dream big, pursue their passions, and achieve their full potential,” she stated.
Concluding her address, she called for a collective effort to rewrite outdated gender norms and create an environment where women are not just accommodated but actively encouraged to lead.