Bangaluru: The Karnataka High Court has issued notices to the Department of Cooperation, Registrar of Cooperative Societies, Advocates Association of Bengaluru (AAB), and Karnataka State Bar Council regarding a petition advocating for 33% reservation for women in the upcoming AAB governing council elections for 2025-28.
Justice Suraj Govindaraj, presiding over a vacation bench, issued the notices following a plea by advocate Deeksha N Amrutesh. The hearing has been adjourned to January 6.
The petitioner argued that despite the Supreme Court’s directives mandating one-third reservation for women in executive committee positions of Bar associations, the AAB has failed to comply. The Supreme Court’s rulings also specify that certain key posts, including treasurer, should be designated exclusively for women to promote gender equity in Bar association leadership.
Deeksha claimed she had repeatedly urged the AAB and regulatory bodies to amend their bylaws and implement these directives. However, the authorities allegedly ignored her appeals, leaving her no choice but to seek judicial intervention. She emphasized that such inaction not only contravenes the Supreme Court’s rulings but also undermines principles of accountability and transparency expected from an institution like the AAB.
The petition seeks immediate steps to implement gender-inclusive measures in the February 2025 elections, ensuring equitable representation of women in leadership roles.
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