Pic: New court building at Vidyanagar, HubballiHubballi: Hubli Bar Association created history by inducting about 150 advocates in a single intake, the highest so far. Association functionaries said the move reflects growing interest among the younger generation in the legal profession. Previously, only 50-60 advocates were enrolled annually. The association also ensured 30% women’s representation by electing 5 women advocates to its 17-member governing council.Ramachandra G Matti, association president, told TOI that the new governing council was formed on Dec 19 by election. “The total number of the council was increased from 13 to 17 to accommodate 2 each of senior and junior women advocates,” he added.Manjuath M Datanal, general secretary, said that, based on the ratio of governing council members, women representation increased to 5. “Earlier, only 1 seat was reserved for a woman advocate. It was done as per the high court’s order. At the other end, the Hubli association, which is the biggest association after the Bengaluru and Belagavi Bar Associations, welcomed 156 new advocates. It shows that the number of law colleges and the passing rate in law education has increased in the region. Since Hubballi is convenient to live in, young advocates are opting to stay here. Thanks to increased awareness and media influence on the profession, youngsters are joining the profession by choice, not by chance as earlier. Many students are joining 5-year courses like BA LLB or BCom LLB after their PUC or Class 12. They are determined to join the legal profession, which is now expanded with jobs like law officer, legal adviser, etc,” he analysed.Savita S Patil, who is the debut treasurer in the 150-year-old The Bar Association, Hubli, shared that the Supreme Court directed reserving the treasurer post for a women advocate. “This is an appreciable development of women empowerment in the legal profession. It is also an opportunity for women advocates to show that they are fit to handle financial transactions. If women take up financial responsibilities, we can avoid wasteful spending and unnecessary expenses. Earlier, it was a mirage to get such a post as the Bar was a male-dominated organisation. Though we are about 380 women advocates in the Hubli Association, we were provided only 1 post in the governing council, and we were mute spectators witnessing men advocates ruling. We are confident that we can handle financial responsibilities like Nirmala Sitharaman, who is proving her capabilities as finance minister,” she opined.Women advocates in the governing councilSavita S Patil (treasurer), Asha S Koppar, Priya M Kambalimath, Shilpashree MC (all in cultural activity committee), and Uma Handi (enrolment committee)
