The Advocates' Association of Western India (AAWI) has passed a resolution reserving the post of its president for women effective from the next election.
The post will be reserved for women once in every three elections.
This will make AAWI the first bar body in India to reserve the post of president for women lawyers.
Besides the post of president, the post of secretary will be reserved for women during the first of the two non-reserved presidential terms.
The decision was taken at a special general body meeting held on August 21 when the bar body unanimously approved amendments to its Rules and Constitution.
“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," a statement by the bar association said.
The proposed proviso to Rule 3(a) states that the office of president shall be reserved for a woman member of the association in each third term. This reservation applies to the term immediately following two terms without reservation.
The newly approved framework also mandates structural changes across other office-bearer positions.
The proposed proviso to Rule 3(c) mandates that the post of secretary shall be reserved for a woman member of the association during the first of the two non-reserved presidential terms.
The association has retained its existing reservation of one vice-president post for women, building on a 2018 reform that reserved the vice-president post and two executive council seats for female members.
The 2026 amendment also expands the executive council from eight to nine regular members.
The proposed Rule 3(f) mandates four women members in the council, specifying that out of five members having a minimum seven-year practice, two seats shall be reserved for women.
Out of the remaining four seats requiring four years of practice, two shall be reserved for women.
Consequently, female advocates will now hold slightly more than one-third of all council posts.
AAWI President Prashant Relekar called it a historic decision.
“The Supreme Court mandated 30% reservation for women in Bar associations. So we took up the task, and became the first association to pass this resolution. Also, for the first time in the history of the country, a female will be leading a Bar association!” he said.
The resolution was passed following recommendations from a Constitutional Committee constituted on August 9 to broaden women’s participation in executive leadership.
Vice President Prachi Tatake elaborated that the Committee included senior advocates, both men and women, who gave their suggestions.
“The resolutions are passed on the basis of the recommendations of the said senior advocates,” Tatake said.
She added that she had anticipated a unanimous outcome.
“Maharashtra has always been a progressive State and I had no doubt the resolution would be unanimous," she said.
On what would be the course of action happens if no woman is available to hold the post, Tatake said that efforts would ensure such a situation does not arise.
“Right now there is no provision for such a scenario, but in the event, if it happens, then we can hold a special general body meeting and think about it. But I am sure we will try that such a scenario never arises!” she said.
“AAWI has perhaps provided the most comprehensive and effective reservation to women advocates in the country,” AAWI member advocate Sonal said.
"This is not merely a change in leadership; it is a moment that reflects progress, inclusivity, and confidence in the leadership of women," Suresh Sabrad, the secretary of AAWI said.