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What Stories do the Numbers Tell? A Data-Driven Narrative to Seek Women’s Equal Opportunity in the Higher Judiciary in India
Why do women remain so underrepresented in India’s higher judiciary?
A new article published in the Socio-Legal Review (NLSIU) — “What Stories Do the Numbers Tell? A Data-Driven Narrative to Seek Women’s Equal Opportunity in the Higher Judiciary in India” — uses data to show how entry routes, later appointments, and systemic gatekeeping limit women’s path to leadership.
How single women are made invisible
Single women face daily challenges simply because they are unmarried. Families often pressure them into marriage, ignoring personal goals, aspirations, and choices. Beyond social exclusion, India’s legal and policy frameworks often fail to recognise single women’s rights.
India needs more women judges in the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court of India must correct its acute gender imbalance by appointing more women…
Closing the Gender Gap in the Higher Judiciary
Women in law have seen great progress over the last 100 years in India. The first woman lawyer, Cornelia Sorabji, was entitled to practice in 1924. Since then, the number of women lawyers has increased, several women have been designated Senior Advocates, and there have been many women judges in the lower judiciary. However, there remains a glass ceiling for women in the higher judiciary.
Justice DY Chandrachud and Gender Equality in the Higher Judiciary
The judicial appointments made by the Chandrachud-led Collegium become an interesting point of analysis, especially in the context of gender equality. In this piece, we seek to analyse the extent to which he was able to get more women in the higher judiciary. The Supreme Court started publishing all resolutions of the Collegium since October 2017 on the Supreme Court’s website.
Gendering Equality: Court Decisions on Women’s Rights in India
This book is part of our “Equality Now!” series of four resource books,…
Closing The Gender Gap In The Higher Judiciary
When the gender gap in the higher judiciary is raised, the responses often range from there not being enough women lawyers to choose from, that merit cannot be compromised, or that women are not interested.
Notes on Allyship
In this opinion piece, published by Gaysi, Rajeev Anand Kushwah explores the understanding of Allyship, exploring what constitutes effective allyship, and what support straight allies can extend to queer movements and communities.
On abortion, Supreme Court has listened to Women
CLPR Executive Director Jayna Kothari writes for the Indian Express on the recent Supreme Court judgement which expanded the abortion rights of women and persons who require safe medical termination of pregnancies. She argued that the judgement upheld the right of all women and girls to make reproductive choices for themselves, without undue interference from the state. She emphasised that any deprivation of reproductive healthcare services negatively affects the dignity of women.
For Full Equality of Women, Marital Rape Exception Must Go
In this article published by the Indian Express, Jayna Kothari examines the recent split verdict by the Delhi High Court on the criminalisation of marital rape.
The Freedom of Marriage and Association and Prohibition of Crimes in the Name of ‘Honour’ Bill, 2022: A Draft
A legislation drafted by CLPR which provides the legal framework to prevent, investigate and adjudicate crimes in the name of ‘honour’ and protect individual liberty.
A Far-Reaching Verdict that Ends a Regressive Exception
In this article published by the Hindu, Jayna Kothari, examines the regressive exception to marital rape in light of the recent Karnataka High Court judgment.
Is the Supreme Court Cherry-picking its Gender Battles?
Jayna Kothari has contributed a chapter titled “Is the Supreme Court cherry-picking its gender battles? ” in Tanja Herklotz and Siddharth Peter de Souza, ” Mutinies for Equality: Contemporary Developments in Law & Gender in India” published by Cambridge University Press.
Priya Ramani verdict has expanded the law on sexual harassment
In this article published by Indian Express, Jayna Kothari, Senior Advocate & Executive Director at Center for Law and Policy Research argues that the recent Priya Ramani judgment has expanded the law on sexual harassment and provided the opportunity to widen the defences against defamation law. Most importantly, she states that now, victimisation should also be recognised as a form of sexual harassment and discrimination.
We don’t want your blood’ exclusion of Sexual Minorities from Blood Donation
In this blog post, Thulasi K. Raj argues that the exclusion of sexual minorities from blood donations is violative of non-discrimination under Articles 14 and 15.
Equality Bill 2021: Takes a New Step in Addressing Discrimination, Recognising Intersectionality & Promoting Equality.
CLPR’s draft Equality Bill 2021 takes a new step in addressing discrimination experienced by people on the basis of caste, gender, religion, transgender and intersex identity, disability and other grounds. It aims to promote equality, prohibit different types of discriminatory conduct, provide adequate civil remedies and set up fora for redressal that are accessible and effective in addressing discrimination.
Why we can’t have laws curtailing the right to marry
In this article published by Deccan Herald, Jayna Kothari, Senior Advocate & Executive Director at Center for Law and Policy Research argued that proposed laws prohibiting the practice of ‘love jihad’ violate the constitutional guarantees of the right to life and liberty under the Article 21 of the Indian Constitution.
Authorities haven’t internalised legislations
Writing for the Deccan Herald, Senior Advocate Jayna Kothari responds to recent controversy concerning Chief Justice of India, Ranjan Gogoi. With a review of the present state of justice when it comes to violence against women, she argues that the problem lies in implementation.
CJI Gogoi sexual harassment case: What can SC do to regain credibility after latest crisis?
Contributing to The Print’s Talk Point, Satya Prasoon argues that the Supreme Court of India must embrace “substantive due process”, in order to regain credibility. The Supreme Court is an credibility crisis after sexual harassment allegations were raised against the Chief Justice of India, Ranjan Gogoi.
‘A half-written promise’ | Jayna Kothari, Maya Unnithan & Siri Gloppen on Reproductive Rights
Jayna Kothari, Maya Unnithan and Siri Gloppen note how political parties have been virtually silent on sexual and reproductive rights policy, in the on-going 2019 general election. They urge political parties to “steer the public debate to [often overlooked] crucial issues”.
India’s Supreme Court is making landmark judgements in social change
In this article Jayna Kothari argues that – In the last few years, public interest litigation at India’s Supreme Court has brought significant wins for human rights—but success is best assured when litigation is linked to broader mobilization.
Beyond marriage and morals: State has no business seeking to control an individual’s sexual expression
In this article in The Times of India, Thulasi K. Raj and Kaleeswaram Raj argue that the judgment in Joseph Shine v. Union of India contributes to developing the doctrine of unprincipled criminalisation.
Child Marriage FAQs Brochures: Kannada
As part of our collaborative work with Centre for Reproductive Rights, we translated easy-to-understand FAQ Brochures on Child Marriage for our outreach in Karnataka. The brochure contains the relevant legal framework around Child Marriage in India.
Child Marriage Posters: Kannada
As part of our collaborative work with Centre for Reproductive Rights, we translated easy-to-understand Posters on Child Marriage for our outreach in Karnataka. The poster contains the relevant legal framework around Child Marriage in India.
Child Marriage Posters: English
As part of our collaborative work with Centre for Reproductive Rights, we disseminated easy-for-reference Posters on Child Marriage for our outreach. The poster contains the relevant legal framework around Child Marriage in India.
Child Marriage FAQs Brochure: English
As part of our collaborative work with Centre for Reproductive Rights, we disseminated FAQ Brochures on Child Marriage for our outreach. The brochure contains the relevant legal framework around Child Marriage in India.
Policy Brief on Child Marriage – By CLPR and CRR
What are the key challenges with child marriage law in India? What are the implementation gaps? Read CLPR and CRR’s Policy Brief on Child Marriage to know more about the challenges and policy recommendations.
This too is a right: the right to sexual privacy
In this article in The Hindu, Thulasi K. Raj argues that the right to sexual privacy is significant in the discussion on decriminalising adultery.
Law reform is needed to secure greater respect for adolescent sexual and reproductive autonomy
In this piece, Jayna Kothari and Payal Shah, analyse the Independent Thought judgment. They suggest policy and law reforms to translate this decision into respecting the bodily autonomy of every woman and girl.
Child Marriage before the Indian Supreme Court
A little more than a month ago, on 17th Oct 2017, in the Child Marriage and Marital Rape [Independent Thought vs Union of India] case the Supreme Court ruled that sexual intercourse or sexual acts between a man and his minor wife was marital rape. In legal terms the Supreme Court had read down Exception 2 to Section 375 of the Indian Penal Code. This exception had deemed that a man could not be accused of marital rape if he had marital intercourse with his minor wife as long as the wife was not below the age of 15. Reading down the exception now meant that this exception would not apply to cases where the wife was between 15yrs and 18yrs.
Disha Chaudhry wrote about the reasoning behind this judgement in the Oxford Human Rights Hub.
Article on the Supreme Court decision seeking to amend Section 2(q) of the Domestic Violence Act
In this Article published in the Kannada Daily, Prajaavaani, Jayna Kothari critiques the decision of the Supreme Court holding Section 2(q) of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, to be unconstitutional. The impugned section defines “respondents” under the Act to only include “adult males”, thus allowing aggrieved persons under the Act to file a case only against adult male relatives.
Jayna Kothari argues that provisions of the Domestic Violence Act are not meant to be construed as gender neutral. She elaborates how it is necessary and intentional that legal provisions on violence against women should apply only to males as perpetrators of such violence.
Temple entry: An issue of gender rights
In this article in the Deccan Herald, Thulasi K. Raj explains the issues of gender justice and religious freedom revolving around the Sabarimala case.
Special courts don’t follow Act provisions
This article, reviews the performance of Special Courts established under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act 2012. Using empirical data, from a study conducted by the Centre for Law and Policy Research, the author exposes the failure of these courts in meeting their objective.
Karnataka fails her rape victims
Nina de Puy Kamp who interned with CLPR has an article on granting interim compensation to rape victims in Karnataka published Deccan Herald. (September 21,2015)
Sexual Offences Court on Trial: Neither Fast nor Just
This article provides an insight into the performance of fast track courts set up for sexual harassment in Karnataka. The authors analyse the performance of such courts on the basis of an empirical study conducted by them.
The Myth of Speedy and Substantive Justice : A Study of the Special Fast Track Courts for Sexual Assault and Child Sexual Abuse in Karnataka
Fast track courts have often been mooted as a solution to the extensive delays that plague the functioning of “normal” courts in India. In 2012 a special court to exclusively try cases of child sexual abuse under the “Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (“POCSO”)” was set up. In 2013, the Karnataka state government set up 10 special fast track courts in the state only for trying cases of rape and sexual assault against women under Section 376, IPC.
Who is Tracking Fast Track Courts?
The Justice J.S Verma Committee Report had recommended the setting up of Fast Track courts for dealing with rape and sexual assault as a way to ensure speedy justice. In this article, the authors conducted a detailed study of the working of three such courts in Bangalore that were set up in December, 2013 and examine whether these courts live up to their objective. The article makes a case for the need for witness protection services, so as to safeguard the interests of the victim of sexual assault before and after they have provided evidence.
Legal Accountability of the Police in India
This report argues for the introduction of a judicial remedy in the form of a cause of action against police officers in their individual capacity for violations of constitutional rights. This recommendation was made in light of the government’s failure to implement the reforms mandated by the Supreme Court in Prakash Singh v. Union of India (2006) 8 SCC 1
Naz Foundation: Reading Down the Supreme Court
Sudhir Krishnaswamy proposes a reading down of the Supreme Court judgment in Suresh Kaushal v. Naz Foundation so that it would have the effect of encouraging prosecutors not to target consensual homosexual activity.
Sexual harassment in the Indian legal profession
In this article, Jayna Kothari has brought to light the manner in which guidelines on sexual harassment laid down by the Supreme Court in the Vishakha judgment are being flouted. She also talks about the inherent bias in the legal profession against women lawyers and the need to recognize such biases while interpreting the law in relation to sexual harassment.
What rights do women in India in relationships akin to marriage have?
The India at LSE Blog has featured a guest post by Jayna Kothari on the Madras High Court judgment of Aysha v Ozir Hassan. This judgment had made headlines for suggesting that couples who have premarital sex can be considered to be married. In her post, Jayna argues that contrary to the popular understanding, this judgment strengthens the position of women in relationships akin to marriage.
A difficult road to her roots
Chaya’s six-year-old legal battle to search for her roots came to a fruitful end this week. The Karnataka High Court allowed her petition and directed the police to investigate the details of her biological mother and the conditions under which she was given up for adoption by the orphanage. This article examines this case in the light of a person’s right to know her biological or genetic origins.
Undermining the domestic violence law
The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 aims to provide women with quick decisions on protection, residence, maintenance and child custody. This is an account of how the best intentions of the law are thwarted in the process of implementation.
When Sexual Harassment Law Goes East: Feminism, Legal Transplantation, and Social Change
Every legal system has its own story and unique experiences with the sexual harassment law. This article engages in a comparative study of sexual harassment in India and Israel, which seem to share a very similar trajectory. This article tracks the processes that shaped the reforms in both countries and uncovers significant similarities and differences in the Indian and Israeli sexual harassment law. It suggests that while the Israeli law is more robust in both its substantive scope and its enforcement, it has for this very reason, also experienced a significant backlash which is, interestingly not traced in the Indian context.
Sexual Harassment Law Goes East
Jayna Kothari and Daphne Barak Erez have published an essay titled ‘When Sexual Harassment Law Goes East: Feminism, Legal Transplantation and Social Change’ (Stanford Journal of International Law, Issue 47, p. 177, 2011).
Criminal Law on Domestic Violence
This article analyses the role of the criminal law system in dealing with domestic violence. It argues that Section 498 A of the Indian Penal Code can only be effectively implemented if a new model of policing and a victim empowerment criminal law model is developed.
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Karnataka Federation of Women Lawyers v. State of Karnataka
Petitioner Karnataka Federation of Women Lawyers (KFWL) filed a special leave petition on January 17,…
Dr. Aqsa Shaikh v. Union of India
The petitioner, a member of the transgender community, has filed a writ petition before the Supreme Court of India, challenging Sections 2(r) and 2(s) of the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021. Listed alongside connected matters, the petition contends that the Act prohibits single unmarried women and transgender people to opt for the surrogacy procedure. Claiming that the procedure could only be practiced by an “intending couple” or an “intending woman”, the Act stands violative of the fundamental rights under Article 14, 15, and 21 of the Constitution of India.
Aweksha Women’s Charitable Trust v. Union of India
CLPR on behalf of the petitioner trust, Aweksha Women’s Charitable Trust, has filed a Public Interest Litigation under Article 32 of the Constitution of India. It challenges Exception 2 of Section 63 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, which exempts rape in the context of marriage. It is argued that the provision violates Articles 14, 15(1) and 21 of the Constitution of India.
Women’s Voice v. State of Karnataka & Ors
CLPR on behalf of Women’s Voice, an organization which works specifically for rights of marginalized women filed a Special Leave Petition in the Supreme Court challenging the order dated 15.03.2022 passed by the Hon’ble High Court of Karnataka in Writ Petition No. 2347 of 2022. The Judgment not only held that the wearing of Hijab by Muslim women does not form a part of essential religious practice in Islamic faith, but also that the prescription of school uniforms which prohibit head scarves is a reasonable restriction and that it does not violate Articles 14, 15, 19(1)(a), and 21 of the Constitution of India, and that the Government Order dated 05.02.2022 which prohibits head scarves in universities is valid
05th
Nov 2025
EVENT | Jane Kaushik v. Union of India: Equal Rights for Transgender Persons
Venue Centre for Law & Policy Research, 3rd Floor, Dona Cynthia, Primrose Road, Ashok Nagar, Bengaluru
Time 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
The Supreme Court’s ruling in Jane Kaushik v. Union of India marks a milestone in advancing equal rights for transgender persons — reinforcing their constitutional right to equality, dignity, and inclusion and taking concrete steps towards implementation. Join us for a discussion on how this judgment aims to expand equal opportunities and strengthen trans inclusion across employment, education, and public life.
Read more29th
Sep 2025
Paralegal Volunteers (PLV) Training and Convocation at Centre for Law & Policy Research, Bengaluru
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Venue Centre for Law and Policy Research, Bengaluru
Time 2 pm - 5 pm
25th
Sep 2025
Know Your Rights & Entitlements Session on Domestic Violence Act, 2005
Venue Aloysius Hall, Auditorium Block, St. Joseph's University, Bangalore
Time 10:30 am to 1 pm
CLPR, in collaboration with Aweksha and St. Joseph’s University School of Social Work, is organising a Know Your Rights & Entitlements session on the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 on 25 September 2025 at St. Joseph’s University, Bangalore. We welcome you to join us in this important conversation on women’s rights and access to justice.
Read more28th
Jun 2025
Equal Justice: Pathways for Women from the Corporate Bar to the Higher Judiciary | Roundtable
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Venue Westminster, ITC Windsor, Bengaluru
Time 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Deccan Herald
How single women are made invisible
In cities, single women often struggle to find housing, as landlords associate their status with loose morality. They are excluded from clubs and associations and face judgement in everyday spaces, simply for being unmarried. Beyond social exclusion, India’s legal and policy frameworks often fail to recognise single women’s rights.
The BBC
One woman and 33 men: Why India’s Supreme Court is ‘a men’s club’
“Women represent 50% of India’s population — they should have equal representation in the judiciary too.” – Jayna Kothari to the BBC. The BBC’s latest piece on the higher judiciary appointments highlights the troubling absence of women from the court, citing Jayna Kothari, CLPR Executive Director and drawing from CLPR’s research on this issue.
Supreme Court Observer
Panel Discussion on the Role of the Media in Highlighting Gender Gaps in the Higher Judiciary
A two-day national consultation organised by the Centre for Law and Policy Research was held in Bengaluru on 22 and 23 March to address this issue. Titled “Equal Justice: Securing Equal Inclusion of Women in the Higher Judiciary,” the consultation comprised four panel discussions which highlighted the systemic barriers that hinder women’s advancement in the judiciary.
Live Law
Supreme Court Reserves Treasurer Plus 30% EC/Councilor Posts For Women Lawyers In All Karnataka District Bar Associations
When Justice Kant enquired as to when the elections in the High Court Bar and District Bar were scheduled in the state, Senior Advocate Jayna Kothari, appearing for the Karnataka Federation of Women Lawyers, informed that women lawyers had secured Treasurer plus 30% EC posts in the High Court Bar. The issue only remained with respect to district bar associations, Kothari said, of which elections are upcoming. Accordingly, the Court passed its order.
BLOG | The Supreme Court Advances Efforts to Ensure Gender-Based Representation in Karnataka’s Bar Associations
On 24th March 2025, in the cases of Deeksha N. Amrutesh v. State of Karnataka and Ors, Karnataka Federation of Women Lawyers v. State of Karnataka, and Kavitha H.C. v. State of Karnataka, the Supreme Court ordered all of Karnataka’s district bar associations to reserve 30% of office-bearer/executive posts for women and earmark the Treasurer’s post for a woman. Ten months later, on January 16 of this year, the Court turned to the question of compliance.
EVENT REPORT | Jane Kaushik v. Union of India: Equal Rights for Transgender Persons
On 5 November 2025, CLPR in collaboration with Ondede, hosted a panel on the Supreme Court’s Jane Kaushik v. Union of India judgment. The discussion explored its impact on the Transgender Persons Act 2019 and what it means for advancing equality and government accountability for transgender persons in India.
BLOG | Jane Kaushik v. Union of India – A Watershed Moment for Transgender Rights in India
In Jane Kaushik v. Union of India (2025), the Supreme Court advanced transgender rights in India, holding both State and private actors accountable for discrimination. The Court expanded “reasonable accommodation” as a core constitutional duty, demanding structural change for equality and dignity.
Beoncy Laishram v. State of Manipur: A Milestone for the Right to Identity of Transgender Persons
In a landmark judgment, the Manipur High Court upheld transgender persons’ right to have their chosen name and gender reflected in all official records. The ruling in Beoncy Laishram v. State of Manipur marks a significant step in enforcing the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, and advances the constitutional guarantee of equality, dignity, and identity.