Emphasizing the need for greater representation of women, the Supreme Court of India has reserved the post of Treasurer for women candidates in the Governing Body of the Advocates' Association, Bengaluru (AAB).

A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and N. Kotiswar Singh invoked Article 142 of the Constitution to ensure this measure, directing the High-Powered Committee and the Chief Returning Officer to extend the nomination deadline to facilitate implementation.

The court further suggested that the High-Powered Committee and Chief Returning Officer explore reserving around 30% of other positions in the Governing Council for women lawyers. This, the court noted, would promote adequate representation of women in leadership roles within the association.

The orders were issued while hearing a plea filed by the Karnataka Federation of Women Lawyers, which sought 33% reservation for women in the Governing Body of the Advocates' Association, Bengaluru. The petition was moved after the Karnataka High Court dismissed a related plea filed by Advocate Deeksha N. Amruthesh.

The High Court had refused to interfere with the election process, citing that the final voter list and election schedule were already issued. It had advised the petitioners to approach the Supreme Court, which is examining the broader issue of reserving seats for women in bar associations across the country.

The petitioners had argued that failing to provide reservations violated fundamental rights under Articles 14, 15, and 19(1)(g) of the Constitution, referencing prior Supreme Court judgments in Supreme Court Bar Association v. B.D. Kaushik and Fozia Rahman v. Bar Council of Delhi. The Supreme Court’s intervention now ensures a step toward addressing gender representation in legal bodies.

Case Title: Karnataka Federation of Women Lawyers vs. State of Karnataka