In a landmark event, the Pala Bar Association in Kerala has made history by electing an all-women panel to lead as office bearers and executive committee members. This marks a major milestone for gender representation in India’s legal profession.

The election, which filled 15 key positions, came at a time when the demand for more women's representation in bar associations is growing rapidly across the country.

"This election is a significant step forward in ensuring inclusive leadership in the legal community," said legal observers.

Read Also:- Supreme Court Ensures Women's Representation in Karnataka's District Bar Associations

This progressive move comes in the backdrop of the Supreme Court’s ruling, which directed that at least one-third of all bar association posts be reserved for women lawyers. Initially applied to the Supreme Court Bar Association, the directive was later extended to various other bar associations, including those of Delhi High Court and Karnataka.

However, Pala Bar Association’s all-women leadership team goes beyond the mandated reservation, sending a powerful message of empowerment and gender equality.

"The court had only asked for one-third representation. What Pala Bar Association has done is far more inspiring," said a senior advocate.

Leading the newly elected team is Advocate Usha Menon, who won the President’s post with 163 votes, defeating her rival Adv. Josekutty Kuzhithottam, who secured only 70 votes.

Read Also:- Women in Indian Judiciary: Progress, Challenges, and the Road Ahead

The complete list of elected office bearers is as follows:

President: Usha Menon Ushus

Vice-President: Minimol Cyriac Valiyaveettil

Secretary: Remya R Kakkanattu Ozhukayil

Joint Secretary: Prejisha Jose Vathalloor

Treasurer: Nisha Nirmala George Puthenpurackal

The Executive Committee includes:

Lady Representative: Asha Ravi Mulanjanikkunnel

Junior Members: Deepa N. G. Njundanmakkal, Irine Elisabeth B Moothasseril

Senior Members: Gayathri Raveendran Vandannoor, Maggi Balaram Ezhervayalil, Manjusha K. G. Vadayattu, Remya Rose George Perekkattu, Sanju P. S. Sreenilayam, Solimol Sebastian Eruvelikkunnel, Tinu Scaria Pandiyammackal

“This is a proud and promising moment for women in law,” said one of the elected members, emphasizing the need for continued efforts towards equality and representation.