NEW DELHI, Dec 3: Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Wednesday urged first-generation lawyers to build credibility through patience and hard work. He was speaking at a panel discussion titled “WE (Women Empowerment in Law): on Strength, Struggle and Success” organised by the Supreme Court Bar Association.
Sharing his own journey, the CJI recalled the uncertainty he faced when entering the profession without family guidance. “As a first-generation lawyer, the system was unfamiliar. But I was determined to learn and grow. Growth takes time, and it requires patience, hard work and commitment to create your own identity,” he said, encouraging young lawyers to carve out space for themselves in a crowded field.
Justice B.V. Nagarathna recounted her early struggles in Bengaluru, where she began practice after completing her law degree. She explained that it was mutually decided she would not enrol in Delhi since her father, Justice E.S. Venkataramiah, was serving on the Supreme Court bench. “Behind every successful woman there is a family,” she remarked, stressing the importance of institutional support for women lawyers.
She urged senior advocates to assign women juniors complex civil and criminal cases, not just family or domestic matters, so they can demonstrate their talent. She also called for courts to appoint women as amici curiae and suggested that 30 per cent of law officers in the central government should be women. “If women are given opportunities, they will definitely appear before the courts,” she added.
Justice Nagarathna spoke candidly about personal challenges faced by women lawyers, including family pressures and societal taunts about balancing household duties with professional responsibilities. She emphasised that women advocates should be respected in courts and treated as equals by their male counterparts.
SCBA president and senior advocate Vikas Singh highlighted the need for comprehensive assistance to women in the legal profession to ensure equal participation. He also pointed out the lack of women judges in the Supreme Court, noting that currently only one woman judge is serving.
The discussion also featured Delhi High Court judge Prathiba M. Singh, Attorney General R. Venkataramani and professor Rashmi Salpekar, who shared perspectives on strengthening women’s role in the legal system.
