A Rare Milestone in India’s Judicial System

A rare and historic milestone is set to unfold in India’s judicial system, as for the first time, four High Courts will be headed by women Chief Justices at the same time. Currently, Justices Sunita Agarwal, Revati Mohite Dere, and Liza Gill are serving as Chief Justices of the Gujarat, Meghalaya, and Andhra Pradesh High Courts respectively. This marks a significant moment in the representation of women in the higher judiciary.

The Supreme Court Collegium, headed by Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant, has recommended the appointment of Justice Meenakshi M Rai, a sitting judge of the Sikkim High Court, as the Chief Justice of the Patna High Court. The recommendation follows the upcoming retirement of Chief Justice S. Kumar Sahu on June 4. Once appointed, Justice Rai’s elevation will create a historic situation where four High Courts in India will simultaneously be led by women Chief Justices, reflecting a notable step toward gender representation in the judiciary.