Women Judges Remain Minority in Indian High Courts
In the High Courts of India, women judges remain a minority, making up just 14.27% of the total sanctioned posts. As of now, there are approximately 670 male judges and 103 female judges. This disparity is not due to any formal gender bias in appointments, as the selection process primarily considers qualifications, experience, and legal expertise. Gender is not an institutionalised criterion for appointment.
Since its inception in 1950, only 11 women have been appointed to the Supreme Court, representing a mere 3.8% of all appointments. The first woman to hold this position was Justice Fathima Beevi, appointed in 1989. The most recent appointments include Justice Indira Banerjee in 2018 and Justice Indu Malhotra in 2018. Other notable women judges include Justice R. Banumathi (2014-2020), Justice Sujata V. Manohar (1994-1999), Justice Ruma Pal (2000-2006), Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai (2011-2014), and Justice Gyan Sudha Mishra (2010-2014).
Despite the lack of formal gender bias in the appointment process, the underrepresentation of women in the High Courts and Supreme Court is evident. Addressing this imbalance may require proactive efforts to encourage and facilitate the participation of women in the legal profession and judicial appointments.
