2025, Vol. 7, Issue 5, Part A

Author(s): Yuvraj Jaiswal and Aqueeda Khan

Abstract: There are still significant gender gaps in India's legal profession, despite the fact that the field is based on constitutional principles of equality and justice. The study takes a close look at how the number of women lawyers in India has changed over time, as well as the structural obstacles, legal frameworks, and governmental initiatives that have changed this representation. The research starts with the fight for inclusion in the early 20th century and the historic Legal Practitioners (Women) Act, 1923. It then follows the path of trailblazing women like Cornelia Sorabji and Anna Chandy, whose work paved the way for others. This study sheds light on the ways in which post-Independence structural obstacles were maintained due to the colonial legal systems' reinforcement of gender norms. Despite laws like the POSH Act of 2013, it examines the pervasiveness of harassment in the workplace and the under-representation of women in various legal areas, including litigation, the court, and leadership positions in law firms. Along these lines, it delves at the ways that bar associations, law schools, and other legal institutions unwittingly perpetuate gender disparities. The research delves into the possibilities and limits of the current legal framework in fostering gender equality by evaluating constitutional provisions (Articles 14, 15, and 21), the Advocates Act, 1961, and major court declarations. Best practices and policy innovations that might be applied in the Indian environment can be gained via a comparative comparison with the legal professions in the UK, USA, and Australia. In order to guarantee gender-inclusive practices inside legal institutions, this thorough examination concludes with suggestions for systemic improvements. According to the report, gender parity in the legal profession cannot be achieved unless there is a concerted, multi-faceted effort to eliminate institutional prejudices and patriarchal norms. Only then will the profession be able to live up to its constitutional promise of justice for all.

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