SC Gives 11 Women Lawyers Historic Highest-Ever Senior Advocate Titles

On January 19, the Supreme  Court of India shattered norms by designating 11 exceptional women lawyers as Senior Advocates, marking a significant leap forward in recognizing gender diversity in the legal profession. This groundbreaking event, where a total of 56 lawyers have conferred the coveted gown, holds particular significance as it follows the apex court's last designation of Senior Advocates in 2021, where only one woman lawyer was honoured among seventeen others.

This transformative decision marks a significant leap towards gender inclusivity in the legal arena, a stark contrast to the previous exercise in 2019, where a mere six women secured this prestigious recognition.

Meet the 11 Designated Senior Advocates

Shobha Gupta

Shobha Gupta, a stalwart in championing women's rights and liberty matters, has an illustrious career spanning over 16 years as the standing counsel of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). Noteworthy for her pro bono work in the Bilkis Bano case since 2003, Gupta's advocacy played a pivotal role in the Supreme Court awarding the highest-ever compensation in a rape case.

Swarupama Chaturvedi

A law graduate since 1999 and Advocate-on-Record at the Supreme Court since 2012, Swarupama Chaturvedi is recognized for her impactful interventions. Holding the position of Additional Advocate General for the State of Madhya Pradesh from 2020 to 2023, she recently made headlines representing the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) before the Delhi High Court, emphasizing the severity of a social media post by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

Liz Mathew

Liz Mathew, a distinguished graduate of the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), brings a wealth of experience to the table. Formerly associated with Senior Advocate Indu Malhotra and Attorney General of India KK Venugopal, Mathew has served as standing counsel for the State of Kerala and, most recently, took on a critical role as amicus in a case where the top court criticized a Calcutta High Court judgment on sexual urges.

Karuna Nundy

Internationally acclaimed, Karuna Nundy collaborates with governments on constitutional and legal drafting, earning recognition as one of Time Magazine's 100 most influential people in 2022–2023. Her pro bono endeavours, including litigation related to the 1984 Bhopal gas disaster and toxic waste dumps, showcase her commitment to justice. Nundy's recent appearances in the same-sex marriage case and the call for the criminalization of marital rape show her dedication to diverse causes.

Nisha Bagchi

With over a decade of practice before the Supreme Court, Nisha Bagchi stands out for her expertise in customs, civil, commercial, and arbitration cases. Her involvement in a case reaffirming the classification of goods under the Customs Tariff Act, of 1975, highlights her commitment to legal precision. Bagchi's role as the point of contact for the Gender Sensitisation Committee formed by the Supreme Court further demonstrates her dedication to fostering a safer legal environment.

Uttara Babbar

A graduate of NLSIU, Bangalore, Uttara Babbar combines academic prowess with practical experience. Advocating for the administration of the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple and playing a crucial role in a Supreme Court ruling on arbitration applications, Babbar showcases a nuanced understanding of legal intricacies.

Haripriya Padmanabhan

With over 25 years of practice before the Supreme Court, Haripriya Padmanabhan stands as an independent lawyer of repute. Notable achievements include successfully advocating for a full-service commission for women naval officers and influencing the Supreme Court's stance on arbitration clauses. Padmanabhan's multifaceted legal expertise extends to appearances before the NCLAT and the NCLT.

Archana Pathak Dave

An alumnus of the Faculty of Law, Rajasthan University, Archana Pathak Dave boasts over 20 years of practice, representing the Union and Gujarat governments before the Supreme Court. Her involvement in landmark cases, such as the Permanent Commission for Women in the Indian Army and the right to privacy, exemplifies her impact on crucial legal matters.

NS Nappinai

A seasoned lawyer with over 30 years of experience practising before the Supreme Court and the Bombay High Court, NS Nappinai specializes in cyber law, constitutional law, criminal law, arbitration, intellectual property rights, and corporate, and commercial matters. Her recent appearance in the Prajwala letter case shows her commitment to addressing contemporary legal challenges. 

S Janani

With a legal career spanning since 1986, S. Janani is a first-generation lawyer with a diverse practice encompassing employment, property law, cyber crimes, criminal law, and consumer protection. Her longevity in the legal profession attests to her resilience and adaptability across various fields of law.

Shirin Khajuria

A trained mediator and Advocate-on-Record with over 30 years of experience, Shirin Khajuria has left an indelible mark in diverse legal domains, including commercial, contractual, matrimonial, family, property, arbitration, direct and indirect taxation, labour and service, telecom, consumer, and broadcasting matters. Her notable appearance in the top court concerning videography and modern police methods highlights her engagement in contemporary legal discourse.

The Supreme Court's move to designate eleven women advocates as senior counsels not only breaks gender barriers but also sets a precedent for recognizing excellence in the legal profession. This historic moment marks a stride towards a more inclusive and empowered legal landscape, where merit reigns supreme, irrespective of gender.