SCBA expresses concern on lack of women Judges in higher judiciary Requests CJI Collegium to consider more women for upcoming judicial appointments

On 30 August 2025, the President and Executive Committee of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) passed a resolution expressing concern about the lack of Women Judges in Higher Judiciary. The SCBA noted that several High Courts, including Uttarakhand, Tripura, Meghalaya, and Manipur, do not have a single woman Judge. Out of nearly 1,100 sanctioned posts of High Court Judges, about 670 are held by men, while only 103 are occupied by women.

Lack of Women Judges in Higher Judiciary in Recent Appointments

The SCBA expressed strong disappointment that in the latest round of appointments to the Supreme Court, no woman Judge from either the Bar or the Bench was elevated. Since 2021, no woman has been appointed to the Supreme Court, and currently, only one woman Judge serves on its Bench. This underrepresentation, the SCBA stated, highlights an urgent need for corrective measures.

Demand for Proportional Representation of Women Judges in Higher Judiciary

The resolution referred to letters written by the SCBA President to the Chief Justice of India, urging the Collegium to ensure at least proportional representation of Women Judges in Higher Judiciary. The Association stressed that greater gender balance is essential, not only for fair and equal representation but also for strengthening public confidence in the judiciary.

Importance of Women Judges in Higher Judiciary for Judicial Diversity

The SCBA firmly believes that the appointment of more Women Judges in Higher Judiciary is vital to enrich judicial perspectives, enhance inclusivity, and reflect the diversity of society. A judiciary that mirrors the social fabric can deliver justice with broader viewpoints and greater sensitivity.

Accordingly, the SCBA resolved to request the Chief Justice of India and the Collegium to give urgent and due consideration to elevating more women Judges in the upcoming rounds of judicial appointments to both the Supreme Court and the High Courts.