Delhi High Court Judge Recuses from Hearing Plea for Women Representation in SCBA

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Synopsis

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

Justice Subramonium Prasad of the Delhi High Court recused himself on Wednesday from hearing a petition urging the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) to reserve at least two positions in its Executive Committee for women lawyers.

During the hearing, Justice Prasad cited his past membership with the SCBA as a reason for his recusal from the case.

The matter has been scheduled for a hearing before another bench on February 26.

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