Delhi HC Judge Recuses From Hearing Plea To Convene SCBA General Body Meeting For Nomination Of Women Advocates As Executive Members

Delhi High Court judge, Justice Subramonium Prasad, on Wednesday, recused from hearing a plea seeking direction on the Supreme Court Bar Association to convene a General Body Meeting for the nomination of women advocates as its Executive Members.

“I was also a member of the SCBA,” Justice Prasad said while recusing from the matter.

The matter will now be heard on February 26.

The plea has been moved by a lady lawyer, Yogamaya M.G., who has been a member of the Supreme Court Bar Association since the year 2016. 

Advocate Sriram Parakkat appeared for the petitioner.

The petitioner had contested in the 2023 SCBA elections for the post of Member of the Executive Committee. However, she lost.

She has sought direction on the SCBA to consider a representation dated August 14 last year signed by 270 members, in a time frame manner.

The representation was made to highlight the issue of non-representation of lady lawyers in the SCBA executive committee. The lawyers had urged the SCBA President to amend the Supreme Court Bar Association Rules and Regulations to ensure at least two positions for female executive members.

“This amendment would not only address the gender imbalance within the committee but also set precedence for other bar association to follow. We propose that the two female candidates who had received the highest number of votes in the last Supreme Court Bar Association election be nominated as executive members,” the representation had said.

The petition has been filed as no acknowledgment or response has been received to date on the representation.

The plea states that the absence of female representation in the SCBA executive committee severely hampers the ability to address issues uniquely experienced by women lawyers.

“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 adds.

Furthermore, the plea avers that the presence of women in decision-making bodies, such as the Supreme Court Bar Association, is “fundamental to creating a workplace culture that actively promotes and prioritizes the prevention of sexual harassment.”

It states that adequate representation ensures that concerns specific to women in the legal profession are given due attention, fostering an atmosphere where all members feel secure and supported in their professional pursuits.

“Advocating for women lawyers' representation as a legal ground is not merely a matter of numerical parity but is deeply intertwined with creating a legal community that prioritizes safety, inclusivity, and equity. It reinforces the association's commitment to upholding constitutional values and fostering a professional environment where every member, irrespective of gender, can thrive and contribute to the advancement of justice,” the plea states.

The petition has been moved through Advocates Bineesh K, Nandana Menon and Anjitha Santhosh.

Title: MS. YOGAMAYA M.G. v. SUPREME COURT BAR ASSOCIATION REPRESENTED BY ITS PRESIDENT