'Law as a rich man's profession' view is changing: CJI
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New Delhi: Chief Justice of India NV Ramana said that law is often seen as a rich man's profession, and the legal profession still mainly remains an urban one. He noted that the issue is that nobody can guarantee stability in the profession.
He was speaking at an event organised by the Bar Council of India to felicitate him. The CJI said that the situation is slowly changing and opportunities are opening up. He pointed out that there is a "huge vacancy" of judges, reported NDTV.
He also drew attention to the lack of enough women in the judiciary and legal fraternity. "I must admit that with great difficulty, we have achieved a meagre 11% women representation in Supreme Court." Three women took oath as Supreme Court judges recently - Justices BV Nagarathna, HimaKohli, and Bela M Trivedi. This is the highest number of sitting women judges India's top court has ever had.
He recalled that women did not get toilet facilities in his High Court days and he tried to change things and improve resources during his time.
A three-member Supreme Court Collegium - headed by Chief Justice Ramana - recommended 68 names in one go for elevation as judges to 12 High Courts. 10 women have been recommended for elevation, reported NDTV.
He added that the country's courts lack proper infrastructure and that he will present a report on the infrastructure in courts to Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju.