Judge criticizes delay in women's parliamentary quota rollout

Supreme Court Justice BV Nagarathna criticized the delay in implementing a 33% reservation for women in Parliament and state assemblies, despite the law being enacted in 2023. Currently, women hold only 14% of Lok Sabha and 15% of Rajya Sabha seats. The reservation, which includes seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, will take effect after the next census, expected around 2027. Justice Nagarathna emphasized the need for immediate action to improve women's representation in politics and the legal profession. She called for at least 30% of law officers and legal advisors to be women and highlighted the importance of mentorship programs. Justice Nagarathna urged recognition of women's contributions in both professional and private spheres, advocating for greater gender diversity in the judiciary.