CJI with 4 women judges of SCNew Delhi: Chief Justice of India NV Ramana on Thursday rued that the country was still far away from ensuring at least 50% representation of women in the judiciary and attributed the gross under-representation to “deeply ingrained patriarchy in our society.”“There are numerous factors behind the under-representation of women in the judiciary. The primary reason is the deeply ingrained patriarchy in our society. Women often have to face a hostile atmosphere within the courtrooms. Harassment, lack of respect from members of the Bar and Bench, the silencing of their opinions, are some of the other traumatic experiences often recounted by many women lawyers. Resultantly, out of nearly 17 lakhs advocates registered in the country, only 15% are women”, CJI Ramana said in his speech on the occasion of International Day of Women Judges.“DOING EVERYTHING TO INCREASE PERCENTAGE OF WOMEN HC JUDGES”CJI said he is taking corrective steps in this regard primarily aimed at increasing the percentage and proportion of women judges: For the High Courts, we (after he assumed charge of CJI office on April 24, 2021) have recommended so far 192 candidates. Out of these, 37, that is 19% were women. “This is certainly an improvement over the percentage of incumbent women judges in High Courts which stands at 11.8%.”, he added.The four women judges of the Supreme Court – Justices Indira Banerjee, B V Nagaratna, Bela M Trivedi and Hima Kohli also took part in the event in which about 6000 Judges from across the country also participated. Justice Ramana also felicitated the four women Judges of the Supreme Court on this occasion.CJI noted that now there are 4 women judges in the Supreme Court which is the highest ever in its history and “ In near future, we shall be witnessing the first-ever female Chief Justice of India (in form of Justice Nagaratna).“But, I think, we are still far away from ensuring at least 50% representation of women in our judiciary. The legal profession still remains male-dominated, with severe under-representation of women. I have been trying to do my best to correct this imbalance in our judicial system. After I assumed the office of Chief Justice of India, we have so far filled 9 vacancies in the Supreme Court out of which 3 vacancies were filled with women”, the CJI said.“SO MANY RECOMMENDATIONS PENDING WITH GOVT”“Unfortunately, so far only 17 of the 37 women recommended to High Courts were appointed. Others are still pending with the government. A good number of women law graduates are compelled to give up their professional ambitions due to societal expectations. We need to create enabling environment for women to pursue their careers in law. Balancing personal and professional life is a huge challenge for women. Though they excel as students, the domestic issues prevent them from pursuing their passion. This is where the family, fellow members of the Bar and the Bench need to provide necessary encouragement. A woman being a natural multi-tasker is bound to succeed in any given profession. But, if she is dependent on only a few personal briefs which come her way, her appearance before the courts is minimised. The bench will also not be in a position to recognise her. Hence, women should be given preference while making appointments as panel advocates which will pave their path to the bench”, the CJI added.