In a powerful observation that reignites India’s ongoing debate over gender equality in politics, the Supreme Court of India on Friday described women as the “largest minority” in the country, noting their declining presence in Parliament and state legislatures.
The comment came from Justice B.V. Nagarathna, the Supreme Court’s only sitting woman judge, while heading a two-judge Bench hearing a matter concerning women’s representation in governance. Justice Nagarathna’s sharp remarks have sparked a renewed national conversation on why Indian politics — despite multiple promises — continues to remain heavily male-dominated.
“Why Not Representation Even Without Reservation?”
During the proceedings, Justice Nagarathna observed,
“Women form the largest minority in India. Yet their representation in Parliament and other decision-making bodies is shrinking. Why not give women representation even without reservation?”
Her remarks come at a time when India is preparing for the phased implementation of the Women’s Reservation Act, 2023, which promises 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. However, the law’s execution has been delayed until after the next census and delimitation — meaning women’s increased participation in politics might not materialize until 2029 or beyond.
Justice Nagarathna’s comments highlight an uncomfortable truth: even without waiting for statutory quotas, political parties themselves have the power to field more women candidates — but rarely do.
Declining Numbers Despite Promises
According to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), women constitute just about 14.4% of India’s Lok Sabha, and only 11% of the Rajya Sabha — figures that place India below the global average. In several state assemblies, women’s representation is even lower, with some having fewer than 5% women legislators.
This reality stands in contrast to India’s historic achievements — from electing Indira Gandhi as one of the world’s first female prime ministers to producing women leaders in every sector. Yet, political participation at the grassroots and national levels remains far from equal.
Political analysts note that while women play a critical role in elections as voters, their presence in policy-making remains symbolic. The judiciary’s recent remarks are being seen as a call to political parties to take responsibility and voluntarily promote gender parity.
Women’s Reservation Act: A Waiting Promise
The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam (Women’s Reservation Act), passed in 2023, was celebrated as a landmark reform. It guarantees one-third reservation for women in Parliament and state assemblies. However, its implementation has been tied to the completion of the census and subsequent delimitation, which experts say may push its effect to at least 2030.
Critics argue that this delay undermines the spirit of empowerment the law promised. Justice Nagarathna’s remarks seem to echo this concern — urging immediate political will rather than waiting for procedural hurdles.
The Judiciary’s Voice for Equality
Justice Nagarathna, who is set to become India’s first woman Chief Justice in 2027, has consistently voiced the need for gender balance in leadership and law. Her latest comments underline that legal provisions alone cannot change mindsets — genuine empowerment must come through inclusion and opportunity.
Women activists and legal scholars have hailed her observation as both timely and transformative. “Justice Nagarathna’s words remind us that equality isn’t charity; it’s a constitutional right,” said Dr. Meera Menon, a gender policy expert.
A Call for Political and Social Change
The Supreme Court’s remark carries weight beyond the courtroom — it challenges political institutions to introspect. The message is clear: women shouldn’t have to wait for reservation to be represented. Political parties can — and should — act voluntarily to ensure gender inclusivity in their candidate lists and leadership roles.
India’s democracy, Justice Nagarathna implied, will only be complete when women are not just voters or campaigners — but equal decision-makers shaping the nation’s future.
