In a groundbreaking move for gender representation in the legal profession, the Pala Bar Association in Kerala has elected an all-women panel to its executive committee, filling all 15 key posts with female members. The development, reported by the news agency, marks a significant milestone amid a growing national push for increased female participation in bar association leadership roles.
The newly elected panel is led by Advocate Usha Menon Ushus, who decisively won the presidential race with 163 votes, defeating her opponent Advocate Josekutty Kuzhithottam, who secured 70 votes.
This landmark election comes at a time when the Supreme Court is actively considering measures to ensure women’s representation in bar associations across the country. Last year, the apex court mandated that one-third of the posts in the Supreme Court Bar Association be reserved for women lawyers—a directive now extended to several state and high court bar associations, including those in Delhi and Karnataka.
The Pala Bar Association’s move to elect an entirely female panel goes beyond the court-mandated reservation, setting a progressive example for inclusive leadership in the legal domain.
The new office-bearers are:
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President: Usha Menon Ushus
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Vice-President: Minimol Cyriac Valiyaveettil
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Secretary: Remya R Kakkanattu Ozhukayil
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Joint Secretary: Prejisha Jose Vathalloor
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Treasurer: Nisha Nirmala George Puthenpurackal
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Lady Representative: Asha Ravi Mulanjanikkunnel
Senior Executive Committee Members:
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Gayathri Raveendran Vandannoor
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Maggi Balaram Ezhervayalil
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Manjusha KG Vadayattu
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Remya Rose George Perekkattu
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Sanju PS Sreenilayam
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Solimol Sebastian Eruvelikkunnel
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Tinu Scaria Pandiyammackal
Junior Executive Committee Members:
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Deepa NG Njundanmakkal
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Irine Elisabeth B Moothasseril
The historic outcome is being widely seen as a beacon for gender equity in legal institutions and a significant stride toward empowering women in law.
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