India's judiciary has seen a gradual increase in the number of women judges, yet the journey to the highest echelons remains constrained. Recent data reveals that while more women are joining the lower and middle tiers of the judicial system, their presence in the Supreme Court and high courts is disproportionately low.
Current Representation Statistics
As of the latest figures, women constitute about 30% of the subordinate judiciary, but their share drops to around 11% in high courts and a mere 12% in the Supreme Court. This disparity underscores a persistent glass ceiling that hinders career advancement for women in law.
Systemic Barriers
Experts point to several factors contributing to this trend. Lack of mentorship, unconscious bias in appointments, and inadequate support for work-life balance are often cited. Additionally, the collegium system, which plays a key role in judicial elevations, has been criticized for lacking transparency and gender sensitivity.
The Department of Justice has initiated measures to address these issues, including setting up a committee to review the representation of women in the judiciary. However, activists argue that more concrete steps, such as setting quotas and improving infrastructure for women lawyers, are needed.
Path Forward
To truly diversify the bench, systemic reforms are essential. This includes creating a more inclusive appointment process, providing equal opportunities for professional development, and fostering a culture that values gender parity. As the legal fraternity pushes for change, the hope is that the bench will eventually reflect the diversity of the society it serves.
