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Despite Advocate Yogamaya's written requests to the Chief Justice of India (CJI) and the SCBA President, seeking a general body meeting for this purpose, no response was received. She now seeks the High Court's intervention to compel the SCBA to convene a meeting and address the issue
The Delhi High Court on Monday adjourned until March 4 the hearing of a petition urging the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) to reserve at least two positions in its Executive Committee for women lawyers.
The matter was listed for hearing before the bench of Justice Sudhir Kumar Jain. However, as the bench did not assemble, the plea will be heard on March 4.
Earlier, Justice Subramonium Prasad had recused himself from hearing the petition. During the hearing, Justice Prasad had cited his past membership with the SCBA as a reason for his recusal from the case.
The plea, filed by advocate Yogamaya MG, highlighted her attempt to initiate discussions on amending SCBA rules to ensure gender representation. Despite her written requests to the Chief Justice of India (CJI) and the SCBA President, seeking a general body meeting for this purpose, no response was received.
Advocate Yogamaya now seeks the High Court's intervention to compel the SCBA to convene a meeting and address the issue.
The petition, represented by Advocates Bineesh Karat, Nandana Menon, and Anjitha Santosh, emphasizes the importance of women's representation within the SCBA for fostering inclusivity and diversity. Advocate Sriram Parakkat appeared for the petitioner during the hearing.
The plea argues that the absence of adequate representation of women lawyers may perpetuate an environment where issues related to sexual harassment are not adequately addressed. It underscores the crucial role of women in decision-making bodies to create a workplace culture that prioritizes the prevention of sexual harassment.
“Amending the Supreme Court Bar Association Rules are crucial to ensure women representation for fostering inclusivity and diversity within the association. This modification would create a more equitable and representative environment, allowing the perspectives and contributions of women to be better acknowledged and incorporated. It aligns with the constitutional principle of gender equality and promotes a fair and inclusive legal community, thereby enhancing the overall effectiveness and legitimacy of the Supreme Court Bar Association," the plea reads.
Case Title: Ms. Yogamaya MG v. Supreme Court Bar Association
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