Gender Gap as a Deep-Rooted Plight: Through The Lens of Indian Justice Report 2025

The Indian Legal system remains the cornerstone of Indian democracy. The system continues to tussle with system gendered differences, as revealed through India Justice Report (IJR) 2025. The southern states like Karnataka and Telangana showcased success in justice delivery metrics, However, the report uncovers a dire reality: deep -rooted gender biases, under-representation of women in leadership roles, and consequences faced by the vulnerable communities. 

Underrepresentation in Policing and Judiciary

The police force is dominated by male workforce, with 11.75% of women being constituted. Even in top-ranked Karnataka, only 9% of police officers are women, with a mere 6% at senior levels. Similarly, the judiciary showcases a stark difference: women are constituted of 40% of district court judges whilst only 14.27% of High Court judges and a dismal 4% in the Supreme Court. This reflects a hierarchy of power distribution across the institutions – demonstrating the ways the institutional failures contribute to perpetual state of gendered gaps. 

Obstacles Faced by Women in the Space of Legality 

The legal system’s functioning magnifies gender inequity. Women face unnecessary investigation in judicial appointments, with nine female recommendations for High Court positions rejected since 2020, often as the sole rejections in their lists. The institutional challenges such as rigid career timelines, lack of childcare infrastructure, and societal caregiving expectations – compel women out of legal careers, creating a “funnel effect” that leaves no space to climb up the ladders for senior roles. 

Perpetual State of Marginalization: A Cycle of Gender Biases

There is a sense of intersectionality that exists alongside. Marginalized groups bear the systemic neglect over the years. Over 76% of prisoners are undertrials, with Dalits, Adivasis, and Muslims disproportionately represented. Legal aid remains under-resourced: Karnataka, despite its top ranking, saw village-level legal clinics drop from 157 to 32. This leaves many without any resources. Women, already disadvantaged by low literacy and economic participation (India ranks 129th globally in gender parity), face stark barriers in securing support. 

What Does the Future of Gender Equity Look Like?

In the light of these, IJR 2025 calls for reforms. These include transparent appointments where gender quotas are revealed in higher judiciary. Second reform is investing in legal aid and forensic infrastructure to address the systemic failures. And, the third includes gender-sensitive policies, including childcare facilities and flexible work spaces and arrangements. The closure of the gender gap calls out to shatter the patriarchal structures and redefine the nature of justice.