Supreme Court Elevates 11 Women Lawyers to Senior Advocate, Shattering Gender Norms
“Landmark Decision Marks a Pivotal Shift Towards Gender Inclusivity in Legal Profession”
On January 19, the Supreme Court of India made history by conferring the coveted title of Senior Advocate on 56 lawyers, notably elevating eleven accomplished women advocates. This groundbreaking decision signifies a crucial step towards recognizing and promoting gender diversity in the legal profession, a stark departure from the previous year where only one woman received this honor among seventeen.
The transformative move is a remarkable leap in fostering gender inclusivity, particularly in contrast to the 2019 exercise, where merely six women secured the prestigious Senior Advocate recognition. The significance of this event lies not only in breaking gender barriers but also in setting a precedent for acknowledging excellence based on merit, irrespective of gender.
Among the newly designated Senior Advocates, Shobha Gupta, a stalwart in championing women’s rights, played a pivotal role in securing the highest-ever compensation in a rape case. Swarupama Chaturvedi, a law graduate since 1999, garnered recognition for impactful interventions and recently represented the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights.
Liz Mathew, a distinguished graduate of the National Law School of India University, brought a wealth of experience, including serving as standing counsel for the State of Kerala. Internationally acclaimed Karuna Nundy, recognized as one of Time Magazine’s most influential people, showcased commitment to justice through pro bono efforts.
Nisha Bagchi, with over a decade of practice, stood out for expertise in customs, civil, commercial, and arbitration cases. Other notable Senior Advocates include Uttara Babbar, Haripriya Padmanabhan, Archana Pathak Dave, NS Nappinai, S. Janani, and Shirin Khajuria, each contributing to diverse legal domains.
This historic moment not only breaks gender barriers but also sets a precedent for recognizing excellence in the legal profession. The Supreme Court’s decision signifies a stride towards a more inclusive and empowered legal landscape, where merit reigns supreme, irrespective of gender.
Re-reported from the article originally published in The shethepeople
