REPRESENTATION OF WOMEN IN THE INDIAN LEGAL SYSTEM: A HISTORICAL AND CONTEMPORARY ANALYSIS

AUTHOR – KHUSHI CHAUHAN & PRABAL PRATAP RAJAWAT

STUDENTS AT AMITY LAW SCHOOL GWALIOR, SYMBIOSIS LAW SCHOOL PUNE

BEST CITATION – KHUSHI CHAUHAN & PRABAL PRATAP RAJAWAT, REPRESENTATION OF WOMEN IN THE INDIAN LEGAL SYSTEM: A HISTORICAL AND CONTEMPORARY ANALYSIS, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 5 (10) OF 2025, PG. 645-648, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.

Abstract

India’s legal system has undergone considerable transformation, gradually incorporating women into key roles within the profession. Despite longstanding barriers, women have successfully established themselves as prominent lawyers, judges, and legal scholars. This paper traces the historical journey of women in the Indian legal field, from the colonial period to the modern era. It examines the challenges women have faced in entering and advancing within the profession and highlights their vital contributions to the evolution of Indian law. Once a male-dominated sphere, the legal profession in India began opening up to women following persistent legal efforts. A significant milestone came with the enactment of the Legal Practitioner’s (Women) Act in 1923, which formally allowed women to practice law. However, acceptance was slow, as seen in cases like that of Regina Guha, where outdated perceptions questioned women’s legal standing.

In the 21st century, globalization and modern educational reforms have broadened access to legal education for women in India. Still, gender imbalance continues, particularly within the judiciary. The paper follows the progress from the appointment of Justice Anna Chandy, India’s first female judge in 1937, to present-day challenges, highlighting the continued underrepresentation of women on the bench. Trailblazers such as Leila Seth and Fathima Beevi broke significant ground by becoming Chief Justices, but overall female representation remains limited.

The study emphasizes the urgent need for measures to promote gender parity in the legal field, including the recommendation of a 33% quota for women in the judiciary. By providing an in-depth look at both historical and present-day issues, this research adds to the ongoing conversation about gender equity in India’s legal system.

Keywords: Women in Law, Indian Legal System, Gender Representation, Legal Profession, Historical Analysis, Legal Challenges, Legal Practitioner’s (Women) Act, Judiciary, Gender Equality, Contemporary Issues