LUDHIANA, Oct 28 — Ludhiana is at the top of all the law Bar districts in Punjab. We have the maximum number of lawyers (around 2000) in the district out of which, about 1500 are actively practicing law. Only 30 of these practicing lawyers are women, that configures to 2.1 per cent. When inquired the lawyers — consented that the scarcity was not due to the work culture for, women are treated equally and their is a healthy professional rivalry. Some implied that bias is only found in the clients’ mind i.e. about the competence of a woman lawyer during the initial stages of the case. Later, as the case progresses and the clients see the lawyer in action they too are fair minded and learn to rely on their lawyers.

Lawyers at purani kachehri felt that the scarcity of the fairer gender was due to familial pressures, female interns getting married and then dropping practice all together, other domestic and personal reasons, etc. Also the odd hours required in the job and meeting people from all walks of life in this line of work are not approved of by the family. Most of the female interns just fold under all these pressures. “The girls are neither bold nor determined enough. Many of them have a negative approach in their own minds.” said a lawyer on the condition of anonymity.

Not to mention that of the 30 currently practicing only eight or 10 are independently practicing women lawyers. The rest are at the junior levels under some other lawyers or they are associated with some other colleagues. “In the past five years many girls have ventured into the Ludhiana courts but they are hesitant to start their own practice even after a couple of years as interns under someone.” observed Mrs M. Shai.