PRESIDENT DROUPADI MURMU
ANURAG KESHRWANI
In a society striving for progress and equality, the role of women in various spheres of life is crucial. Recently, President Droupadi Murmu of India emphasized the significance of women’s active participation in the judiciary. Her compelling statements during a foundation stone ceremony for the Annexe building of the Madhya Pradesh High Court on September 27, 2023, shed light on the urgent need to empower women and increase their representation in the judicial system.
President Murmu’s Call for Change
President Droupadi Murmu made a compelling case for greater female participation in the judiciary. She highlighted the stark gender disparity in the legal profession, with just around 9 percent of judges in the Supreme Court and approximately 14 percent in High Courts being women. Her message was clear: it is imperative to rectify this imbalance.
“Judiciary is also a part of the society; hence I think there should be proper participation of women here also,” President Murmu asserted, acknowledging that the judiciary is a reflection of society and should, therefore, mirror its diversity.
The Significance of Women Empowerment
President Murmu’s speech went beyond advocating for increased female representation; she underscored the pivotal role of women’s empowerment in building an inclusive India. Her reference to the recent passage of the Women’s Reservation Bill in Parliament, which reserves 33 percent of seats for women in the Central and State Parliament, exemplified the commitment to political empowerment.
“Empowerment of women is very important for India,” she affirmed. This legislative move is poised to be a revolutionary step towards achieving gender equality in political decision-making processes. President Murmu’s optimism for the positive impact of this initiative on women’s political empowerment was palpable.
The Unique Perspective of Women in Justice
President Murmu eloquently pointed out that women bring a distinct perspective to the administration of justice. Justice, she emphasized, is not a one-dimensional concept; it involves a nuanced understanding of behavior, intelligence, emotions, circumstances, and sensitivity. Women, with their innate qualities, contribute significantly to this multifaceted approach.
“The process of giving justice is not based on any single mathematical formula,” she explained. Her assertion that greater female participation in the justice system is in the interest of the judiciary itself highlighted the need for diversity in legal decision-making.
A Historical Reference: ADM Jabalpur Case
During her address, President Murmu also drew attention to a significant historical legal precedent, the ADM Jabalpur case. She noted that the High Court at Jabalpur had ruled in favor of safeguarding the right to life and personal liberty, a decision that was later overruled by the Supreme Court in 1976. However, in 2017, the Supreme Court revisited this decision, reaffirming the fundamental rights upheld by the Jabalpur Court.
“As people associated with the judiciary know,” she recounted, “the decision given by the Jabalpur High Court in favor of life and personal liberty in the case of ADM Jabalpur vs. Shivkant Shukla was overruled by the Supreme Court in the year 1976. Finally, after 42 years, in the year 2017, the Supreme Court changed its decision. The basic principles of the then decision given by the Jabalpur Court in favor of fundamental rights have been reestablished by the Supreme Court.”
This historical context underscores the dynamic nature of the judicial system and its ability to evolve with time, highlighting the importance of diverse perspectives in shaping legal outcomes.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
President Droupadi Murmu’s impassioned speech serves as a powerful call to action for India and the global legal community. Women empowerment and increased female participation in the judiciary are not just moral imperatives; they are essential for a more just and equitable society.
As President Murmu rightly pointed out, diversity in the judiciary is not a mere checkbox but a necessity. The unique insights, sensibilities, and perspectives that women bring to the legal realm enrich the pursuit of justice and strengthen the foundations of democracy.
