Advocate Sanskriti Shakuntala Gupta, one of the petitioners advocating for women’s reservation at the Bar, on Friday asserted that the unique challenges faced by women in the legal profession can only be effectively addressed by women leaders.
In an exclusive interview with iTV Network, she highlighted the pressing daily needs of women lawyers navigating the courts of India.
Gupta stated, “The major reason behind the reservation is to empower women in legal leadership.” She emphasized that this initiative is not merely an option but a necessity for creating a balanced and just legal system. By ensuring that women have a voice in decision-making, we can foster diversity that leads to more equitable outcomes.
She added, “Reserving seats for women in bar elections is a step towards justice against the discrimination faced by our gender for time immemorial.”
Advocate Shobha Gupta, another petitioner in this significant initiative, echoed these sentiments. She argued that a truly representative legal system must include the active participation of women, asserting that reservations are essential for progress in this area.
Drawing on the beliefs of Mahatma Gandhi, she emphasized his commitment to social equality and the upliftment of marginalized groups. According to Shobha Gupta, “Reservations are necessary to ensure representation and justice.”
Both Shobha and Sanskriti Gupta, distinguished lawyers from Delhi, have filed a Public Interest Litigation seeking 33% reservation for women in the Delhi High Court Bar Council and the Delhi District Court Bar Councils.
They contend that the issues specific to women’s empowerment can only be effectively tackled by those who understand them firsthand women leaders. Their plea is underscored by the historical absence of female representation in the bar; notably, no woman has ever held the position of president in these councils.
The need for women’s representation in the legal field is not just a matter of fairness but also a vital step toward building a more inclusive legal environment.
By advocating for reserved seats in bar elections, the Gupta advocates aim to dismantle the longstanding barriers that have hindered women’s progress in law. Their efforts reflect a broader movement to ensure that women’s perspectives and experiences are integral to legal decision-making processes.
In summary, the push for 33% reservation for women in the legal profession is a crucial step towards addressing the systemic inequalities that have persisted for generations. With advocates like Sanskriti and Shobha Gupta leading the charge, there is hope for a more representative and equitable legal landscape in India.
Their commitment to women’s empowerment within the legal system is a vital catalyst for change, promising a future where women can lead and influence the law effectively.
