Empowering Women Lawyers: The Impact of Dedicated Bar Rooms

The Growing Presence of Women in Litigation

The legal profession in Karnataka is witnessing an encouraging surge in the number of women entering litigation. However, the question arises: are our courts adequately prepared to support women’s full and equal participation? The Karnataka High Court has seen a notable increase in women lawyers, prompting the need for dedicated spaces that cater to their professional requirements.

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Inauguration of the Women’s Bar Room

On April 26, 2026, the Karnataka High Court took a significant step forward by inaugurating a Women’s Bar Room. This initiative was spearheaded by Justice Anu Sivaraman, the senior-most woman judge in the High Court, along with Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru. The room has quickly become a haven for women advocates, particularly younger ones who often struggle to find space in the overcrowded advocates’ rooms.

The Advocates’ Association, Bangalore, has ensured the room is well-maintained, providing it with necessary infrastructure like a court listing board, comfortable seating, storage, and workspaces for drafting and video conferencing. This facility allows women lawyers to work efficiently and take deserved breaks during hectic court days.

The Supreme Court’s Landmark Order

Following the establishment of the Women’s Bar Room in Karnataka, the Supreme Court, on June 19, issued a pivotal order in the case of Sarika Tyagi & Ors v. Union of India. This public interest litigation, filed by women advocates nationwide, highlighted the absence or inadequacy of women’s bar rooms across various court levels in India. The Supreme Court recognized the critical need for dedicated spaces equipped with basic amenities such as seating, clean restrooms, and nursing facilities.

In its ruling, the Supreme Court emphasized that the growing participation of women in litigation must be accompanied by suitable infrastructural conditions. Such provisions are essential for women advocates to perform their professional duties safely and effectively. The Court further asserted that the absence of these facilities disproportionately affects women, potentially discouraging them from continuing in legal practice.

Constitutional Implications and the Path Forward

The Supreme Court underscored that providing these essential facilities is intrinsically linked to the constitutional guarantee of life and dignity under Article 21. For women advocates, especially those who are pregnant or managing childcare responsibilities, facilities like feeding rooms and clean restrooms are indispensable.

The establishment of gender-inclusive infrastructure not only caters to women but also supports transgender advocates, fostering a more inclusive legal environment. The Karnataka High Court’s establishment of the Women’s Bar Room is a testament to recognizing the evolving needs of women lawyers and ensuring their equal access and participation in the legal profession.

Conclusion

The journey toward gender equality in the legal profession sometimes begins with addressing fundamental needs, such as providing a dedicated space for women. The Women’s Bar Room at the Karnataka High Court represents a crucial step in supporting women lawyers, ensuring they can thrive and lead within their profession.

Jayna Kothari, a Senior Advocate practicing before the Karnataka High Court and the Supreme Court of India, and Priya Chaudhry, a Research Associate at the Centre for Law & Policy Research, highlight these developments as pivotal in fostering a supportive environment for women in law.