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- In 2020, the Rajasthan High Court dismissed a woman judicial officer for concealing her prior role as a government school teacher when applying for the position of civil judge.
- The issue of gender imbalance in the judiciary came into focus in the Pinky Meena v. Rajasthan High Court case, where the Supreme Court highlighted the severe underrepresentation of women in the legal system.
- The Court emphasized three key aspects for improving women’s participation: their entry into the legal profession, continued presence and growth, and advancement to senior roles.
- Greater female representation is seen as essential for better judicial decisions, more inclusive perspectives, and challenging gender stereotypes.
- It also inspires more women to seek justice and promotes equality in other leadership spaces.
- Despite progress, women remain a minority—only 13.4% of High Court judges are women, with several High Courts having none. Since 1950, the Supreme Court has seen just 11 women judges.
- The Supreme Court recently affirmed that maternity leave is a fundamental part of a woman’s reproductive rights, reinforcing both constitutional and human rights protections for working women.
- The ruling overturned a Madras High Court decision that had denied maternity leave to a woman upon the birth of her third child, citing a state policy limiting benefits to two children.
- The Court emphasized that maternity leave is not just a workplace benefit but an essential element of a woman’s autonomy, protected under Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees personal liberty (as established in Suchita Srivastava v.
- Chandigarh Administration). Reproductive rights are also recognized under international human rights law, including the UDHR.
- The judgment stressed that while population control is a legitimate policy aim, it must not override fundamental rights. The Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 (amended in 2017), supports this right by providing up to 26 weeks of paid leave, ensuring dignity, health, and equality for working women.
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued the Payments Regulatory Board Regulations, 2025, under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, replacing the 2008 framework for regulating payment systems.
- The new board will be chaired by the RBI Governor, with ex-officio members including the Deputy Governor overseeing payment systems and one RBI-nominated officer. Additionally, three members will be nominated by the Central Government, with a fixed tenure of four years and no option for re-nomination. The board may invite experts in areas like payments, law, IT, and cybersecurity. It must meet at least twice annually, with a quorum of three members. Decisions are made by majority, with the Chairperson holding a casting vote in case of a tie.