Today, the Delhi High Court issued notices to the Bar Council of Delhi (BCD), the Delhi High Court Bar Association (DHCBA), and all district bar associations in the capital in response to a plea seeking 33% reservation for women in all Bar elections.

A Bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela is scheduled to hear the matter on August 12. The public interest litigation (PIL) was brought to the High Court by Advocate Shobha Gupta.

Senior Advocate Pinky Anand, appearing for the petitioner, argued that the Supreme Court has already issued directions to reserve 33% of the seats in the Executive Committee of the Supreme Court Bar Association.

Anand highlighted that thousands of women lawyers practice in Delhi, and their underrepresentation in bar associations is a significant concern. She emphasized that certain issues can only be properly empathized with by women lawyers. The Court was informed that currently, the only designated post for a woman in the DHCBA is the Lady Member Executive. However, proper representation of women is necessary for effective decision-making processes.

Elections for the BCD and all bar associations in Delhi are scheduled to be held in October this year.

Case Title: Shobha Gupta Advocate v. Bar Council of Delhi & Ors