June 25, 2024
In an unprecedented and historic decision, the Supreme Court of India has marked a new chapter in its annals by appointing 11 female advocates as Senior Advocates. This groundbreaking move came as part of a larger announcement which saw a total of 56 advocates being conferred the esteemed title. This development is being hailed as a monumental step in promoting gender diversity in the legal field.
The 11 women appointed as Senior Advocates bring with them a wealth of expertise, years of practice, and a deep understanding of various legal domains. Among the appointees, Shobha Gupta stands out for her significant contributions to women's rights. Gupta, who represented Bilkis Bano in her highly-publicized gang-rape case, has been featured in Time Magazine for her advocacy, which led to a landmark decision by the Supreme Court in offering the most effective remedy in a rape case.
In another notable appointment, Swarupama Chaturvedi, previously an Advocate on Record, and now a Senior Advocate, has earned acclaim for her representation of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights. Her work in the legal field has been recognized as exemplary.
Liz Mathew, another Advocate-on-Record who has now risen to the rank of Senior Advocate, recently made headlines for her role as a character witness in a significant case that led to the Supreme Court overturning a verdict of the Calcutta High Court.
Karuna Nundy, listed among the most influential people by Time Magazine, has been a pivotal figure in constitutional law. She is renowned for her involvement in the landmark Bhopal gas tragedy case.
The list of newly appointed female Senior Advocates also includes Nisha Bagchi, Haripriya Padmanabhan, Uttara Babbar, Archana Pathak, NS Nappinia, S Janani, and Shirin Khajuria. Each of these advocates has demonstrated exceptional proficiency and dedication in their legal careers.
This move by the Supreme Court is a significant stride in addressing gender disparity within the legal profession. It not only celebrates the achievements of these talented women advocates but also sets a precedent for further inclusivity and diversity in the legal world.