Notably, while the president’s post was contested, all other positions were filled unanimously by women candidates, forming a 15-member women-led panel to head the association.
Published Apr 25, 2025 | 3:17 PM ⚊ Updated Apr 25, 2025 | 3:17 PM
Court Complex Pala.
Synopsis: The Pala Bar Association in the Kottayam district of Kerala has elected an all-women team as its office bearers and executive committee members. This comes at a time when the Supreme Court of India is actively hearing matters related to mandated representation for women in legal bodies.
In a landmark moment for gender representation in the legal profession, the Pala Bar Association in the Kottayam district of Kerala has elected an all-women team as its office bearers and executive committee members — a first in its history and a rare instance for bar associations in the country.
The election, held on Thursday, 24 April, saw Advocate Usha Menon elected as President after securing 163 votes, defeating her male opponent, Advocate Josekutty Kuzhithottam, who polled 70 votes.
Notably, while the president’s post was contested, all other positions were filled unanimously by women candidates, forming a 15-member women-led panel to head the association.
This comes at a time when the Supreme Court of India is actively hearing matters related to mandated representation for women in legal bodies.
Last year, the apex court directed that at least one-third of positions in the Supreme Court Bar Association be reserved for women — a directive later extended to institutions such as the Delhi High Court Bar Association and the Karnataka Bar Council.
By electing a 100 percent women-led leadership, the Pala Bar Association has gone beyond these mandated quotas, setting a progressive example for gender-inclusive leadership within the legal fraternity.
Speaking to South First, Advocate Usha Menon said, “The election took place on 24 April. Only the president’s post was contested, and the rest were elected unanimously. We are proud to set a precedent with this result.”
The move is being hailed by legal professionals and gender rights advocates as a significant step forward in promoting women’s leadership in a field traditionally dominated by men.
(With inputs from Dileep V Kumar)
