Former Chief Justice of India (CJI) N. V. Ramana has been a vocal advocate for increasing the representation of women in the higher judiciary, emphasizing that it is a matter of right and not charity. His calls for greater gender diversity in the courts highlight a persistent issue within the Indian legal system, where women remain significantly underrepresented, particularly in the higher echelons.
Ramana's advocacy included urging for 50% representation for women in the judiciary, stating that it is essential to correct the "thousands of years of suppression". He also advocated for reservations for women in legal education to ensure a larger pool of qualified candidates. He stressed that increasing the number of women judges is not merely a symbolic gesture but brings diverse perspectives and a more nuanced understanding of how laws impact both men and women.
However, the current reality paints a concerning picture. As of September 2025, the Supreme Court of India, operating at its full strength of 34 judges, has only one woman judge, Justice B.V. Nagarathna. This stark imbalance raises serious questions about diversity and inclusivity within the country's top court. The last time a woman was appointed to the Supreme Court was in August 2021, when three women, Justices Hima Kohli, Bela Trivedi, and B.V. Nagarathna, were appointed simultaneously. Since then, there have been no further appointments of women to the apex court.
The situation in High Courts across the country is similarly concerning. Out of approximately 1,100 sanctioned posts for High Court judges, only 103 are occupied by women, while 670 are held by men. Several High Courts, including those in Uttarakhand, Tripura, Meghalaya, and Manipur, currently have no women judges. However, some High Courts such as Telangana, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Rajasthan have shown better representation of women among judicial officers. For instance, Telangana has achieved 50% female representation in the lower judiciary.
The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) has also voiced its concern over the "disproportionately low" representation of women judges in both the Supreme Court and High Courts. In a resolution passed in August 2025, the SCBA requested the Chief Justice of India and the Collegium to prioritize the elevation of more women judges in upcoming appointments.
Several factors contribute to this gender imbalance. The Collegium system, which lacks institutionalized diversity criteria, has been criticized for not prioritizing gender during appointments. Societal factors, such as gender stereotypes within the legal profession, also discourage women from taking on leadership roles. Additionally, the lack of transparency in the appointment process and the under-representation of women in senior positions at the Bar contribute to the problem.
To address this imbalance, it has been suggested that Collegium resolutions should mandate gender diversity as a key criterion. Other recommendations include encouraging more women from the Bar through mentorship programs and reservations in judicial services. Former CJI Ramana also suggested reservation for women students in legal education.
While there has been progress with women holding 11.5% of the positions in High Courts and 12% in the Supreme court, there is still a long way to go. Increasing the representation of women in the judiciary is not only a matter of fairness and equal opportunity but also essential for ensuring that the legal system reflects the diversity of the society it serves.
