Women have long faced challenges in male-dominated societies, where they were often not allowed to work or even step outside the home without male permission. This unequal treatment was prevalent in various sectors, including the legal field. Today, we celebrate the achievements of some of the most inspirational female lawyers in India who have made significant contributions to society and the legal profession. Despite these achievements, women are still underrepresented in the legal field, with only 107 female judges out of 788 in India’s High Courts. In 2023, the Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud, described the Indian legal profession as an “old boys club,” highlighting the need for more female participation. Let’s explore the journeys of some remarkable female lawyers in India.
Cornelia Sorabji
Cornelia Sorabji was the first woman advocate in India, born in Bombay on November 15, 1866. After completing her studies in the UK, she returned to India but was initially denied permission to practice law. In 1922, she became the first Indian woman to practice as an advocate. Despite facing challenges due to the patriarchal mindset, Sorabji played a crucial role in advocating for women’s rights and inspired many women to join the legal profession.
Education
Cornelia Sorabji was the first woman to graduate from Bombay University, Poona. She pursued her law degree at Oxford University and continued her education at Lincoln’s Inn, England.
Contributions
Protection of Women’s Rights: Sorabji represented pardanashin women and advocated for appointing female legal advisors in courts. She was also involved with the National Council for Women in Bengal.
Protection of Child Rights: Sorabji opposed child marriages prevalent during the colonial period.
Menaka Guruswamy
A prominent advocate in the Supreme Court, Menaka Guruswamy is known for her role in striking down Section 377 of the IPC, which decriminalized homosexuality. She has also advocated for the rights of marginalized communities.
Education
Menaka Guruswamy completed her B.A. LL.B (Hons) from the National Law School of India University, Bengaluru, and her LL.M. from Harvard University. She later pursued her Doctor of Philosophy at Oxford University.
Contributions
Menaka has been involved in cases concerning human rights and gender rights at an international level. She has served as an advisor to UNICEF and the United Nations Development Programme.
Important Cases
Navtej Singh Johar vs. Union of India: Menaka played a pivotal role in decriminalizing homosexuality by challenging Section 377 of the IPC.
Sunil Bharti Mittal vs. CBI: Known as the 2G spectrum scam, Menaka represented one of the parties, advocating for transparency and accountability.
Pinky Anand
Pinky Anand is a Senior Advocate known for her expertise in constitutional law, criminal law, and family law. She served as the Additional Solicitor General of India and has been an advocate for various social causes.
Education
Pinky Anand graduated from Lady Shri Ram College for Women and pursued her law degree from the Faculty of Law, Delhi University. She completed her LL.M. from Harvard University.
Important Cases
S. Khushboo vs. Kanniammal: Pinky Anand defended actress S. Khushboo against defamation charges, arguing for freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution.
Indira Jaisingh
Indira Jaisingh, born on June 3, 1940, in Mumbai, was the first female lawyer to be designated as a Senior Advocate by the Bombay High Court. She has been a strong advocate for women’s rights and human rights.
Education
Indira Jaisingh pursued her law degree from Bangalore University and her Master of Laws from Bombay University.
Contributions
Indira founded the Lawyers Collective Organisation with her husband to provide legal assistance to the poor. She also supported victims of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy in obtaining compensation.
Important Cases
Union Carbide Corporation vs. Union Of India: Indira supported victims of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy, advocating for stricter regulations on factories.
Kamini Jaiswal
Kamini Jaiswal, a senior advocate in the Supreme Court, is known for her work in environmental law and human rights. She has been involved in high-profile cases like the Red Fort attack and the Akshardham blast case.
Contributions
Kamini Jaiswal is a member of the Committee on Judicial Accountability, working to improve judicial accountability. She also delivers lectures on contemporary legal issues.
Important Cases
Kamini Jaiswal vs. Union of India: She filed a petition concerning judicial misconduct and bribes accepted by judges, advocating for transparency and accountability in the judicial system.
Karuna Nundy
Karuna Nundy is a renowned lawyer practicing in the Supreme Court, known for her work in constitutional law, civil law, and arbitration. She has been a strong advocate for women’s rights.
Education
Karuna Nundy completed her law degree from Cambridge University and her LL.M. from Columbia University, New York.
Contributions
Karuna Nundy contributed to the Criminal Law Amendment Bill, 2013, after the Nirbhaya rape case, suggesting stricter provisions to the anti-rape bill.
Important Cases
Farhan vs. State & Anr.: Karuna Nundy challenged the exception for marital rape under Section 375 of IPC, arguing that it violates Article 14 of the Indian Constitution.
Vrinda Grover
Vrinda Grover is a human rights advocate known for her work on cases involving sexual and physical violence against women and children.
Education
Vrinda Grover pursued her law degree from Campus Law Centre, Delhi University, and her Master of Laws from New York University.
Contributions
Vrinda Grover is a member of South Asians for Human Rights and has been involved in promoting human rights and legal awareness.
Important Cases
Zulfikar Nasir & Ors. vs. State of Uttar Pradesh & Ors.: Vrinda Grover represented victims of the Hashimpura custodial killings, advocating for justice for the minority community.
Meenakshi Lekhi
Meenakshi Lekhi is a famous advocate and politician, serving as a Member of Parliament from New Delhi Constituency. She has been involved in cases related to family law and domestic abuse.
Education
Meenakshi Lekhi pursued her law degree from Campus Law Centre, University of Delhi.
Contributions
Meenakshi Lekhi was involved in drafting the Muslim Women (Protection Of Rights On Marriage) Act, 2019, and the Sexual Harassment Of Women At Workplace Act, 2013.
Important Cases
Nitisha vs. Union Of India: Meenakshi represented the petitioner advocating for equal criteria for men and women in the Indian Armed Forces.
Flavia Agnes
Flavia Agnes is a senior advocate and writer known for her work in women’s rights and domestic violence. She co-founded the Majlis Legal Centre to provide legal representation to women.
Education
Flavia Agnes pursued her law degree from the University of Mumbai and her MPhil from the National Law School of India University, Bangalore.
Important Cases
Mrs. Mary Roy Etc. vs. State Of Kerala & Ors.: Flavia Agnes fought for women’s rights to inherit their father’s property, advocating for equal legal measures.
Rebecca John
Rebecca John is a senior advocate known for her work in criminal law, handling high-profile cases like the Noida double murder case and the Harshad Mehta Scam.
Education
Rebecca John earned her law degree from the Faculty of Law, University of Delhi.
Important Cases
Dr. (Smt.) Nupur Talwar vs. State Of U.P.: Rebecca John represented the parents of Aarushi Talwar, advocating against false accusations.
Geeta Luthra
Geeta Luthra is a Senior Advocate in the Supreme Court, known for her work in matrimonial disputes, gender rights, and constitutional law.
Education
Geeta Luthra pursued her law degree from the Faculty of Law, University of Delhi, and her Master’s in Law from the University of the United Kingdom.
Important Cases
Sunil Bharti Mittal vs. CBI: Geeta Luthra represented some accused in the 2G spectrum scam, advocating for fair investigation.
Deepika Singh Rajawat
Deepika Singh Rajawat is known for her work as a human rights activist and her representation of the victim in the Kathua rape case.
Education
Deepika Singh Rajawat pursued her law degree from a university in Jammu.
Important Cases
Mohd. Akhtar vs. The State of Jammu And Kashmir: Deepika represented the victim of the Kathua rape case, advocating for justice despite facing backlash.
Aishwariya Bhati
Aishwariya Bhati is a young advocate known for her work in women’s and children’s rights. She was appointed as India’s 4th youngest Additional Solicitor General.
Education
Aishwariya Bhati pursued her law degree from the Faculty of Law, Jodhpur.
Important Cases
Shayara Bano vs. Union Of India: Aishwariya challenged the practice of triple talaq, advocating for gender justice and the protection of women’s rights.
Conclusion
The journey towards achieving gender equality in the legal field continues. Efforts like the South Asian Women Foundation India Legal Fellowship Programme and the Indian Litigation Fellowship Programme are supporting female participation in law. Organizations like the Centre for Women and the Law at the National Law School of India University, Bengaluru, are working to raise awareness about women’s rights. Celebrating the achievements of these inspirational female lawyers reminds us of the importance of striving for equality and justice in every sector.
