CJI Surya Kant calls for structural reforms to ensure real equality for women in legal profession

Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant on Saturday said the constitutional promise of equality must translate into real, lived experiences for women in the legal profession, calling for structural reforms and stronger institutional support to ensure their retention and advancement.

Speaking at the National Conference-2026 on judicial governance organised by the Supreme Court Bar Association in Bengaluru, he highlighted findings of a survey documenting persistent challenges faced by women lawyers.

“I personally believe that when we talk of equality within our constitutional framework, this equality is not merely on paper. Equality has to be translated into lived experiences ,” Justice Surya Kant said.

The survey titled “Documenting Voices of Women Advocates in Delhi-NCR” , conducted by the Supreme Court Bar Association among 301 women lawyers , examined gender bias, career progression, work-life balance and the impact of marriage and motherhood on legal careers.

The findings revealed deep structural barriers. About 38.5 per cent of respondents said the profession can be discouraging for women, while 33.1 per cent reported gender bias . A striking 84.1 per cent were first-generation lawyers , lacking family networks in the profession.

Leadership opportunities also remain limited. Nearly 57.8 per cent said women do not get equal opportunities in bar association leadership despite strong aspirations to hold such roles.

Marriage and motherhood were major turning points. 38.2 per cent faced difficulty continuing practice after marriage, 33.5 per cent struggled while planning a child, and 56.8 per cent experienced career setbacks after childbirth . Work-life balance emerged as the most common challenge.

Referring to these findings, the Chief Justice noted that women now make up over 50 per cent of law students , yet many leave litigation later due to structural barriers.

To address this, he proposed 50 per cent representation for women lawyers in government counsel and legal aid panels and called for institutional support including maternity protection and childcare centres in every court complex .

He added that women already constitute 45-50 per cent of judicial officers , with some states reporting nearly 60 per cent at entry level , a trend expected to gradually reflect in higher judiciary positions.