Supreme Court Seeks Govt Response on 30% Women Lawyers Quota
On 20 May 2026, a three‑judge bench of the Supreme Court issued notices to the Centre, all states and union territories. The notices pertain to a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by the Ladli Foundation Trust. The petition seeks a mandatory 30% quota for women lawyers in all government‑appointed legal panels and law‑officer posts.
Key Developments
- The bench, comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice Vipul M. Pancholi, noted submissions by senior advocate Vikas Singh, President of the Supreme Court Bar Association.
- Notices were sent to the Centre, state governments and PSUs to respond to the demand for a 30% quota for women lawyers.
- The petition invokes Article 32 of the Constitution.
Important Facts
The petition argues that despite a surge in women enrolments in law schools, women face systemic barriers in professional advancement. It cites empirical data showing a gender gap in appointments to legal panels, high‑court benches, and law‑officer positions. The relief sought includes reservation across all tiers – from the Supreme Court panels to local legal‑aid authorities and corporate legal departments of