The Karnataka High Court recently addressed a petition filed by women advocates from the Tumakuru District Advocates Association, Seeking the implementation of a 33% reservation for women in the upcoming elections. During the hearing, the court strongly expressed that bar associations should no longer function as an exclusive "boys' club."

"We will not for long permit these associations to be a boys club,"

remarked Justice M. Nagaprasanna, directing his statement toward the President of the Tumakuru District Advocates Association.

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On March 19, the High Court put a stay on the association's elections, originally scheduled for April 5, after the women advocates' request for reservation was rejected. Advocate Vidyashree KS, representing the petitioners, argued that the association had ample time to amend its bylaws to include reservations for women, as the request had been submitted well in advance.

She also referenced a recent Supreme Court order that mandated reserving the post of Treasurer for women in the Advocates Association of Bengaluru (AAB). The Apex Court further recommended that at least 30% of other Governing Council positions be reserved for women lawyers. This issue reached the Supreme Court after a Karnataka High Court ruling, which stated that only the Supreme Court had the authority to issue such directives.

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Highlighting the progressive approach of the Advocates Association of Bengaluru, the Karnataka High Court remarked that other associations should follow suit rather than adhere to outdated practices.

"Old boys' club should give way to women now. They have been part of the legal system throughout. They are equal in fact; let them be equal in law," the Court observed.

It further emphasized the necessity of action over mere statements, stating,

"Actions should speak louder than words. I, for one, believe there should be representation of women everywhere. This was fought for in the Panchayat Raj system as well."

AAB President Vivek Subba Reddy informed the court that the Supreme Court had appointed an amicus curiae to assess the status of bar associations across various states. He suggested that the petitioners could present their case before the Supreme Court. However, the Karnataka High Court clarified that this petition specifically pertained to State Bar Associations, distinguishing it from bar associations within a state.

Underscoring the importance of gender inclusivity, the Court stated, "Only when financial powers are given to women, as in a family setting, will there be true equality. Historically, financial control has been in the hands of men, and the results are evident."

The Court then extended the stay on the elections and adjourned the matter until the following Monday.

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According to the petition, the women advocates had addressed a formal request on March 5 to the Election Officer and the President of the Tumakuru District Bar Association, seeking a 33% reservation in the association’s posts. The plea argued that the association had failed to uphold constitutional morality and progressive jurisprudence. The rejection of their request, citing the ongoing committee’s lack of authority and time constraints, was deemed an unreasonable excuse.

However, the Tumakuru District Advocates Association, in its March 17 decision, rejected the plea. The association referenced its 1960 bylaws, stating that one position in the executive committee was already reserved for women. Additionally, it argued that any change in reservation policy required a committee meeting, which the current committee lacked the authority to convene within the given timeframe.

Case Title: Mohanakumar K R & Others AND State of Karnataka & Others (WP 8186/2025)