“Women of the world unite, you have nothing to lose but your chains”: CJI NV Ramana speaks up for Women Empowerment

“Women of the world unite; you have nothing to lose but your chains”

CJI Ramana said while addressing the Felicitation Function in honour of Hon’ble CJI and Hon’ble Judges of Supreme Court conducted by the Lady Advocates of the Supreme Court on Daughter’s Day. 

The quote is a misquote of the Karl Marx quote, which originally read, “Workers of the world unite,” the phrase has been front and centre in all women’s marches protest, especially during the suffragist movement of the 20th Century. Although, the importance of the quote a century later might seem disappointing, however it is required now more than ever. 

CJI Ramana referred to the statistics to enumerate the percentage of women in various walks of the legal profession. “In High Courts, women judges constitute 11.5%. Here in the Supreme Court, we currently have four women Justices out of the sitting 33. That makes it just 12%. Of the 1.7 million advocates, only 15% are women. Only 2% of the elected representatives in the State Bar Councils are women.... There is no woman member in the Bar Council of India. This needs urgent correction,” Chief Justice Ramana said.

CJI listed client’s preference of male lawyers, lack of infrastructure, lack of washrooms, uncomfortable environment, crowded courtrooms and lack of sitting places as some of the major issues that contribute to lesser participation of women in judiciary. 

The Chief Justice emphasised on the importance of 50% reservation for women in the judiciary. He said, “You are entitled, it is a matter of right, nobody is going to give you charity.” I am also forcing the Executive for applying necessary correctives... I am happy to have colleagues in the Collegium who are progressive and determined to bridge the gap in the higher judiciary,” the CJI said. The Chief Justice also advocated for reservation of seats for women in law schools across the country. 

CJI Ramana concluded by observing that the youngsters of the society, especially women are looking at women in the judiciary for inspiration. Ultimately, inclusion of women judges and lawyers will substantially improve the quality of justice delivery,” the CJI said.