Kerala showed India the path to women-led development, says Meghwal
Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal spoke at the Kerala High Court's 70-year platinum jubilee celebrations in Kochi.
Union Minister of State for Law and Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Arjun Ram Meghwal said on Sunday that the people of Kerala have demonstrated a way for the nation to achieve women-led development. Speaking at the platinum jubilee celebrations of the Kerala High Court in Kochi, Meghwal noted that the institution's 70-year history has promoted women's empowerment.
Meghwal highlighted the roles of Justice Anna Chandy, India's inaugural female High Court judge, and Justice M Fathima Beevi, the first woman to serve on the Supreme Court of India. He stated that these judges proved women's empowerment is essential for reaching sustainable development goals.
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant also addressed the event, noting that the Kerala High Court often preceded national trends. He mentioned that the collegium recently appointed two women judges to the Supreme Court, which he suggested may have been influenced by the progressive approach of the Kerala High Court.
Justice Kant added that he had encouraged various Bar Councils and associations to ensure 30 per cent representation for women lawyers. He credited the High Court's visionary nature for helping move away from what he described as a 'Men's Club' environment.
Kerala High Court Chief Justice Soumen Sen remarked that the achievements of Justice Chandy and Justice Beevi broke gender barriers in the judiciary. He also noted that the elevation of K G Balakrishnan as the first Chief Justice of India from Kerala was a milestone for an inclusive judiciary.
According to India Today, the speakers at the anniversary event emphasised the court's role in advancing equality and inclusion over its seven decades.