'Old men's club should give way to women': Karnataka HC on plea seeking reservation for women in Advocates Association

Bengaluru: "Old men's club (advocates association) should give way to women now," Justice M Nagaprasanna orally observed while reserving the judgement in a petition seeking 33 per cent reservation for women in the upcoming elections of Tumakuru District Advocates Association.

The court referred to the recent Apex Court directive mandating the Treasurer position be reserved for women candidates in the Advocates Association in Bengaluru (AAB). The court said that other associations should also embrace progress rather than resist change.

“Old men's club should give way to women now. They have been in this throughout. They are equal; in fact, let them be equal in law. Election was declared in the case of AAB elections but SC stayed and gave direction. Actions should speak louder than words, bring in something like this. I, for one, believe yes, there should be representation of women everywhere. Everywhere to the percentage that is necessary. This was fought in the panchayat raj also,” Justice Nagaprasanna observed.

The petitioners have claimed that their representations to the Election Officer and Tumakuru Bar Association President to reserve 33 per cent of existing posts for women have not been favourably considered. Tumakuru District Advocates Association had rejected the request citing their bylaws already reserved one executive committee post for women. The association further stated that such decisions required a committee meeting, which the current committee lacked authority to convene, citing insufficient time.