Why in news
Underrepresentation of Women is gaining attention due to the significant lack of women in the judicial system, especially at higher levels.
The recent "State of the Judiciary" Report by Supreme Court highlighted the need for more women in law and judiciary.
Current Representation Statistics
District Judiciary: Women comprise 36.3% of the district judiciary, with 14 states exceeding 50% for new civil judges.
Higher Judiciary: Only 13.4% of High Court judges and 9.3% of Supreme Court judges are women.
The representation of women is uneven across High Courts, with States which include Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Manipur, Meghalaya, Odisha, Tripura and Uttarakhand having either no women judges or just one woman judge
Bar Representation: Approximately 15.31% of all enrolled advocates are women, with even fewer in senior roles.
Challenges in the Bar and Legal Profession
While entry-level measures exist, many women struggle to remain and advance due to family responsibilities and an unsupportive work environment.
Judicial service rules often require long periods of practice for elevation, making it hard for women managing family duties.
Many courts lack basic facilities for women, such as dedicated washrooms and family-friendly amenities.
Way Forward
Implement policies that specifically address women's needs in the judiciary.
Employ a "female gaze" in policy-making to recognize and address the unique challenges women face in the legal profession.
Ensure adequate facilities and support systems in courts to enable women to thrive and progress in their careers.
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