Daijiworld Media Network – Dharwad

Dharwad, Jul 26: In a landmark development in the history of the Indian judiciary, the Dharwad Bench of the Karnataka High Court will, from August 1, function entirely with women judges across all its seven court halls, making it the first High Court Bench in the country to be fully presided over by women judges.

The historic arrangement follows a new roster issued by Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru, under which all three division benches and four single benches at the Dharwad Bench will be headed exclusively by women judges, with no male judge assigned to the Bench during the roster period.

The move is believed to be the first of its kind in the country's judicial history, marking a significant milestone for gender representation in the higher judiciary.

The decision comes in response to a representation submitted by the Bar Association during International Women's month, seeking greater participation of women in judicial leadership. Chief Justice Bakhru accepted the proposal and approved the all-women roster. Bar Association president B D Hiremath welcomed the decision and described it as a progressive step.

Members of the legal fraternity have hailed the initiative as a strong message in support of women's empowerment. They said the move would inspire aspiring women advocates and law students across North Karnataka and the country, while reinforcing confidence in women's leadership in the higher judiciary.

Legal experts also expressed hope that the historic initiative would further strengthen the justice delivery system by bringing diverse perspectives and a more inclusive approach to judicial proceedings.