SC calls out Bar Associations for Sidestepping 30% Women quota, seeks compliance Reports, Read Order

Recently, in a significant procedural challenge concerning gender representation within the legal profession, the Supreme Court stepped in to examine an apparent breakdown in compliance with its own mandate requiring minimum representation of women lawyers in Bar Association leadership across the country. The Court took note of allegations that several Bar Associations, particularly in Karnataka, have either ignored or diluted its earlier directive on 30% women representation, raising serious questions about institutional accountability and the enforcement of judicial directions.

The controversy began when senior counsel appearing in a batch of special leave petitions pointed out that despite a clear order passed in March 2025, many Bar Associations continued to conduct elections without inducting women as office bearers or ensuring their presence in executive committees. The challenge arose from proceedings linked to a Karnataka High Court judgment, where petitioners argued that the responsibility placed on High Court administrations to oversee compliance had not translated into meaningful action on the ground.

The division Bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi emphasised that its earlier directions were neither optional nor symbolic. The Court recorded that “Wherever it comes to the notice of the Registrar General that a Bar Association has failed to ensure 30% representation to women lawyers… necessary remedial steps shall be taken.”

The Bench consequently directed the Registrar General of the High Court of Karnataka, along with Registrars General of all High Courts, to gather association-wise data, correct any non-compliance, and place detailed compliance reports before the Court, listing the matter for further hearing on March 13, 2026.

Case Title: Deeksha N. Amruthesh v. State of Karnataka & Ors.

Case No.: Special Leave to Appeal (Civil) No. 1404 of 2025

Coram: Hon'ble Mr. Chief Justice Surya Kant, Hon'ble Mr. Justice Joymalya Bagchi

Advocate for the Petitioner: Sr. Adv. Nalina Mayegowda, Sr. Adv. Jayna Kothari, Sr. Adv. Anindita Pujari, Sr. Adv. Lakshmy Iyengar, Sr. Adv. Harshith. Adv. Priyadarshi Banerjee, Adv. Rishabh,  AOR. Sujoy Chatterjee, & ors.

Advocate for the Respondent: AAG Muhammad Ali Khan, AOR. Sanchit Garga,  Adv. Omar Hoda, Adv. Eesha Bakshi, Adv. Kamran Khan, Adv. Pragya, Adv. Kunal Rana, AOR. H. Chandra Sekhar, & ors.

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