Advocates Association of Western India Reserves President Post for Women, a Historic First for Bar Bodies

In a landmark decision that marks a turning point for gender representation in India’s legal profession, the Advocates Association of Western India (AAWI) has unanimously amended its constitution to reserve the post of President for women lawyers once every three terms. This makes AAWI the first bar body in India to institutionalize such a reservation for its highest office, a move that has been hailed as “historic” and “long-overdue” by legal professionals across the country.

The resolution, passed at a special general body meeting on August 21, 2026, amends the association’s Rules and Constitution to ensure that a woman member will lead the organisation in one out of every three election cycles. In addition to the presidency, the post of Secretary will be reserved for women during the first of the two non-residential presidential terms, and reservations have also been extended to the posts of Joint Secretary and members of the Executive Council. This comprehensive reform builds on AAWI’s earlier initiative in 2018, when it reserved the posts of Vice-President and two Executive Council members for women.

A Century and a Half Without a Woman at the Helm

Founded in 1864, the AAWI is one of the oldest lawyers’ associations in India, headquartered in the Bombay High Court. For 162 years, not a single woman had occupied the post of President. “In its 162 years of existence, AAWI has never had a woman occupy the post of President. Today's decision marks a historic and long-overdue correction, ensuring that a woman member will lead the Association once in every three terms,” the association stated in an official release.

Senior advocate Deepa Chawan, who confirmed the development, described it as “pathbreaking” and “building equality” for women lawyers. “In 162 years of AAWI we would have a women president at the helm … it’s a big step towards equality. Definitely a milestone for women,” she said. Chawan also noted that the skewed ratio of women as members made the reservation even more significant.

The Path to Reform

The constitutional amendment followed a report by AAWI’s Constitutional Amendment Committee, chaired by AAWI President Prashant Relekar. The committee was tasked with recommending changes to broaden women’s participation in the association’s executive leadership. The report, submitted after the special general body meeting on August 9, 2026, formed the basis for the unanimous vote.

The AAWI statement emphasised that the reform “builds on AAWI's earlier initiative in 2018, when it reserved the posts of Vice-President and two Executive Council Members for women — a step that laid the foundation for today's more far-reaching change.” The current amendment goes further by ensuring that the presidency itself — the highest office — is now within reach for women members on a regular, predictable cycle.

Broader Implications for the Legal Profession

The decision has resonated far beyond the corridors of the Bombay High Court. For decades, bar associations across India have been dominated by male leadership, with women often underrepresented in executive committees. While several bar bodies have introduced informal quotas or encouraged women’s participation, AAWI’s move is the first to constitutionally bind the reservation for the top post.

Legal experts believe this could set a precedent for other bar associations, both in high courts and district courts, to follow suit. The issue of gender parity in legal institutions has gained momentum in recent years, with courts and tribunals increasingly appointing women judges and the Supreme Court itself adopting measures to address the gender gap in the judiciary. Yet, bar associations — which play a crucial role in shaping legal policy, organising continuing legal education, and representing the interests of advocates — have lagged behind.

“This is not just about one association; it’s about changing the culture of the legal profession,” said a member of the AAWI who spoke on condition of anonymity. “Young women lawyers often feel that leadership roles are out of reach. Seeing a woman president will inspire them to aspire for those positions.”

Analysis: A Structural Shift, Not Mere Symbolism

The reservation is structured as a rotating system: one out of every three presidential terms will be reserved for a woman. This ensures that the measure is not a one-off token but a recurring opportunity. Importantly, the amendment also reserves other key posts, including Secretary and Executive Council members, creating a pipeline for women to gain experience and visibility before contesting the presidency.

The move also addresses a practical challenge: women lawyers often face barriers such as lack of mentorship, time constraints due to domestic responsibilities, and implicit bias in elections. By institutionalising reservation, AAWI eliminates some of those barriers and sends a clear signal that the association values gender diversity at every level.

Critics might argue that reservation based on gender could compromise merit, but supporters counter that merit cannot be defined solely by past participation when women have been systematically excluded for over a century. Moreover, the rotational nature of the reservation — only once every three terms — ensures that men still have opportunities for leadership in other years.

What This Means for Women Lawyers Across India

For women advocates practicing in the Bombay High Court, the decision is already having a tangible impact. Many expressed hope that the reservation will encourage more women to become active members of the bar association, participate in elections, and take on leadership roles. The AAWI’s move also aligns with broader trends in Indian corporate and political spheres, where gender quotas have been increasingly adopted to accelerate representation.

The decision has been widely covered in legal circles and on social media, with many calling on other bar associations — particularly those in larger high courts — to follow AAWI’s lead. The Bar Council of India, which oversees professional conduct and standards for advocates, has not yet commented, but the AAWI’s proactive stance is likely to influence policy discussions at the national level.

Conclusion

The AAWI’s constitutional amendment is more than a procedural change; it is a historic step toward gender equality in one of India’s oldest legal institutions. By reserving the presidency for women once every three terms, the association has not only corrected a 162-year imbalance but also created a blueprint for other bar bodies to emulate. As the first bar association in India to take such a step, AAWI has set a powerful example of how institutional design can promote inclusivity. The legal profession will be watching closely as the next election approaches to see the first woman president take the helm — a moment that, for many, is long overdue.