Women Senior Advocates Back Justice Nagarathna’s Dissent on Supreme Court Appointment

Four women Senior Advocates—Mahalakshmi Pavani, Shobha Gupta, Aparna Bhat and Kaveeta Wadia—have issued a statement supporting Justice BV Nagarathna's lone dissent in the Supreme Court Collegium's recommendation to elevate Justice Vipul Pancholi.

Expressing disappointment that her dissent was not reflected in the Collegium resolution, they criticised the lack of transparency and accountability in judicial appointments.

The lawyers also raised concerns over the consistent non-elevation of women judges since 2021, calling it a serious breach of gender justice.

They warned that silence on such issues undermines public trust in the judiciary, "the strongest pillar of democracy."