NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday issued a crucial order stating that 30% reservation for women must be implemented in all State Bar Councils across the country.The Supreme Court directed the Bar Council of India (BCI) to interpret and immediately implement its existing rules as if they have already been amended for the purpose of enforcing this reservation.

Reservation Applicable to Office Bearer Posts Too

A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi clarified that the reservation will apply not only to membership positions but also to the posts of office bearers in every State Bar Council.

The bench opined that this move is in line with the constitutional values of the country and recent legal reforms related to gender equality. "Considering the constitutional values, the recent steps taken by the legislature, and the orders issued by this court from time to time, it is our expectation that the BCI will formulate regulations to reserve 30% of the seats for women in every State Bar Council," the court stated.

Compliance Report Required by December 8

To ensure the adherence to this historic order, the Bar Council of India (BCI) has been instructed to submit a compliance report to the court by December 8 regarding the implementation of the reservation.

This order was issued during the hearing of public interest litigation (PIL) petitions filed by advocates Yogamaya M. G. and Shehla Choudhary, who alleged that women and marginalized groups are severely underrepresented in the Central and State Bar Councils.