‘Not just lawyers, now women should become judges’, CJI gave the mantra of equality on Women’s Day
The Chief Justice of India emphasized the importance of women's representation in the legal profession during the first national conference of 'Indian Women in Law'.
The Supreme Court hosted the inaugural national conference of 'Indian Women in Law', attended by female judges and lawyers from across the country. Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud and Justice B.V. Nagarathna addressed the challenges faced by women in the legal profession and shared their visions for the future. The CJI commended women's persistence in the legal field, referencing historical restrictions that previously prevented women from practicing law just a century ago under colonial rule.
CJI Chandrachud highlighted the ongoing journey towards equal participation of women in legal institutions, stating that while significant progress has been made, it still remains incomplete. He noted that the legal profession inadvertently creates an environment with 'invisible burdens' on women, including long working hours, repetitive questioning, and the weight of societal expectations regarding family responsibilities. This recognition of challenges aims to call for a systemic change to improve work conditions for women in law.
Furthermore, the emphasis on representation was underscored by the CJI as he asserted that every woman sitting on the bench sends a powerful message about equality and empowerment. He urged the high court collegium to consider the names of practicing female lawyers from various states for appointments to the Supreme Court, pushing for an increase in women's participation at all levels of the judiciary. This national conference marks a significant step towards fostering a supportive environment for women in law, aiming to inspire future generations to break barriers within the legal system.