The Supreme Court on Friday reviewed compliance reports from High Courts regarding the implementation of its earlier directions to ensure greater representation of women advocates in the executive committees of Bar Associations across the country.

During the hearing, the Court was informed that several High Courts had submitted compliance reports, though the responses varied in detail. Some reports indicated that women’s representation had been ensured, while others showed only minimal participation.

The Bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi noted that the objective of its earlier directions was to secure meaningful participation of women lawyers in the functioning of Bar Associations. Addressing the issue of incomplete compliance, the Court directed the remaining 14 High Courts to ensure that Bar Associations within their jurisdiction implement the directions and submit compliance reports within two weeks.

The Court observed that where sufficient women advocates are available but have not contested elections, Bar Associations may nominate them to executive committees to meet the representation requirement.

Emphasising the importance of gender representation within the legal profession, the Bench remarked that most Bar Associations had positively responded to the initiative.

“We ultimately want all associations all over the country to ensure representation of women.”

The Court also clarified that if any Bar Association faces difficulty in implementing the directions, the details must be placed before the Court for appropriate orders.

“If there is any reservation at the level of any particular subdivision or district, the details thereof shall have to be forwarded to this Court for suitable directions.”

The Court further noted that the experience so far indicates that most Bar Associations have accepted the policy decision, with the initiative expected to bring broader systemic change in the legal profession.

The Registrar Generals of the concerned High Courts have now been directed to collect and submit detailed compliance reports regarding women’s representation in Bar Association executive bodies.