Women’s Participation in India’s Judiciary System

• Women’s representation in the judiciary is mainly based on entry-level measures, with 36.3% in district judiciary and over 50% in civil judge division in 14 states.
• High court representation is insufficient, with only 13.4% of judges in the High Court and 9.3% in the Supreme Court being women.
• Women are underrepresented in the Bar, with approximately 15.31% of all enrolled advocates being women.
• Policy gaps hinder women’s access to the judiciary, including policy gaps in direct recruitment and transfer policies.
• Basic infrastructural requirements like dedicated washrooms and limited sanitary facilities pose challenges for women lawyers, judges, and staff.
• Limited resources result in ineffective restrictions on family-friendly amenities in courts.
• The public-private divide and lack of laws catering to women’s specific needs are significant issues in the judiciary.
• A female gaze is needed to implement inclusive policies and break the male standard view of all-male administrative committees and Bar Councils.
• Unconscious gender bias in courts results in women judges being sidelined in administrative duties.
• Infrastructure needs for women are often deprioritised, leading to ad hoc decisions.
• A female-centric gaze would recognize and prioritize women’s needs, allowing for greater support within the judiciary.