The Karnataka High Court recently dismissed petitions seeking a 33% reservation for women lawyers in bar association elections, stating that such provisions are not mandated by law.

The court emphasized that introducing reservations falls under the jurisdiction of the respective bar associations or the Bar Council of India, rather than judicial intervention.

This decision comes amid growing national discussions on gender representation within the legal profession. In a related development, the Supreme Court has issued notices on petitions advocating for a 33% reservation for women in bar associations across Delhi, aiming to enhance their representation in legal governance. However, resistance to such initiatives remains evident.

For example, the Delhi High Court Bar Association's general body recently voted against reserving posts for women on its Executive Committee, despite the Supreme Court's recommendations to reserve at least 4 out of 10 posts for women.

The Karnataka High Court ruling underscores the autonomy of bar associations in determining internal policies on reservations. It highlights the need for legislative or institutional action to bring about meaningful change in gender representation rather than relying on judicial directives.

This decision brings to light the broader debate on gender inclusivity in the legal field and the pathways for achieving equitable representation while respecting institutional independence.