New Delhi, Mar 8: Chief Justice of India Surya Kant called for sweeping changes Sunday to boost women in the judiciary, urging high court collegiums to prioritize talented female lawyers for judgeships as standard practice—not rare favors.
Speaking at the first national conference of Indian Women in Law themed “Half the Nation – Half the Bench,” Kant stressed women aren’t asking for handouts, just fair shot. “They seek appropriate representation long overdue,” he told applauding lawyers and judges, including ex-CJI NV Ramana, Justice BV Nagarathna, and others.
He pressed collegiums to scout Supreme Court-practicing women from their states, even if local talent’s thin right now. Progress demands baking fairness into the system, not one-offs, Kant said—district courts already show promise with 36% women officers signaling a “generational shift” up the ladder.
Kant hailed current wins: Multiple women CJs helm high courts, Punjab & Haryana boasts 18 female judges, Madras and Bombay near a dozen each. But he warned against coasting: Women bring unique real-world insights to law, despite barriers like late nights, bias, and poor facilities that hit them hardest.
A century back, colonial rules barred women from courts altogether—today’s gains took grit, he noted. Every female judge inspires the next, proving perseverance pays. High time collegiums act now for lasting balance
