Chief Justice of India, D.Y. Chandrachud, emphasized the need for enhanced gender representation in the legal field during his speech at the bicentenary celebration of the Bar Library Club of the Calcutta High Court.
Addressing the gathering at Kolkata’s Town Hall, the Chief Justice acknowledged the progress made thus far, with over 60% female recruits in some state’s judicial services examinations, showcasing a significant social evolution in India. However, he highlighted the continuing challenges in making judicial institutions truly inclusive.
“Despite notable advancements in gender representation, there remains a pressing need to ensure that our judicial institutions are accommodating for all,” said the Chief Justice. He pointed out that amenities and facilities specifically catering to female lawyers are still sorely lacking, which hampers their ability to balance professional and personal responsibilities effectively.
In his speech, Justice Chandrachud shared insights on the dual roles women often have to manage – professional duties and familial responsibilities like child-rearing and household tasks. He underscored the necessity for supportive policies and environments within legal institutions to help women manage these multifaceted identities.
A recent initiative by the Chief Justice, introducing a subsidized meal at ₹25 for Supreme Court staff, where over 2,000 women are employed, was highlighted as a significant step towards empowering women. “A small initiative like this makes such a big difference to the empowerment of women,” he remarked.
The Chief Justice also noted that the Supreme Court has designated 313 women as senior counsels in its 75-year history, with a record 12 women designated in February alone. He urged the legal fraternity to build on these initiatives and translate them into meaningful actions that foster equitable treatment for women in the field.
Further addressing the audience, which included Supreme Court judges Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice Dipankar Dutta, and Chief Justice of Calcutta High Court T.S. Sivagnanam, Justice Chandrachud expressed concerns over the routine of adjournments in the judicial system. He criticized this practice for leading to prolonged litigation, increased costs, delayed justice, and ultimately eroding public trust in the legal system.
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Drawing an analogy with the Hindi cinema ‘Jolly LLB’, the Chief Justice pointed to the ethical challenges and professionalism depicted in the film as reflective of real-world concerns in the legal profession. He called for an end to outdated traditions that do not meet modern societal demands and advocated for embracing technological advancements to enhance the efficiency and accessibility of legal services.
