In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court of India directed the Advocates Association, Bengaluru (AAB), to reserve at least 30% of its governing council (GC) seats for women, including the treasurer’s post, in the upcoming elections. This move is aimed at ensuring greater gender parity in legal associations and empowering women in leadership roles.
Key Highlights of the Supreme Court’s Ruling
- Mandatory 30% Women’s Representation: The court ruled that women must constitute at least 30% of the AAB’s governing council, offering them a significant role in decision-making processes.
- Treasurer’s Post Reserved for Women: The treasurer position in the AAB elections, scheduled for February 2, will be exclusively reserved for women candidates.
- Extended Nomination Deadline: To facilitate these changes, the court directed the election committee to extend the nomination deadline, ensuring sufficient time for women candidates to file applications.
Supreme Court Bench Observations
The bench, comprising Justices Surya Kant and N. Kotiswar Singh, underscored the importance of gender equality in bar associations. Justice Kant remarked, “It is high time to provide representation to women,” emphasizing that this move aligns with similar measures adopted for other legal bodies, such as the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) and the Delhi High Court Bar Association (DHCBA).
Background and Petition
The decision came in response to petitions filed by women lawyers from Karnataka, individually and through the Karnataka Federation of Women Lawyers, seeking reservations in AAB elections. The petitioners argued that the Supreme Court had previously mandated similar reforms in Delhi-based bar associations, setting a precedent for Karnataka.
Earlier, the Karnataka High Court dismissed the plea, citing that the Supreme Court’s intervention in Delhi was under its extraordinary powers granted by Article 142 of the Constitution. However, the apex court overturned this decision, invoking Article 142 to uphold women’s representation.
Objections and Supreme Court’s Response
The Karnataka State Bar Council opposed the reservation of the treasurer’s post, but the Supreme Court dismissed their concerns. Justice Kant highlighted the significance of women taking charge in financial and administrative roles, stating, “Finance ministry and everywhere else we are giving charge to women.”
