Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Apr 12: The Supreme Court of India is scheduled to hear on Monday, Apr 13 a petition seeking urgent implementation of 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies.

The plea, filed by Congress leader Jaya Thakur, has challenged the delay in enforcing the provisions of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, which guarantees one-third representation for women in elected bodies.

A bench comprising Justices B. V. Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan will hear the matter, which argues that the reservation should be implemented immediately rather than being linked to the next census and delimitation exercise.

The petition contends that women, who make up nearly half of India’s population, continue to remain underrepresented in legislatures, and therefore deserve immediate corrective action. It further argues that the existing strength of parliamentary and assembly seats already allows for implementation without delay.

The matter gains added significance ahead of the upcoming special session of Parliament beginning April 16, during which the government is expected to take up the Women’s Reservation Amendment Bill. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged all political parties to support the legislation, calling for its unanimous passage and early implementation before the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.

However, the proposed session has faced criticism from the opposition, including the Indian National Congress, which has raised concerns over timing and procedural issues related to ongoing election campaigns in states such as Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.

The case is expected to be closely watched, as it intersects judicial review, legislative reform, and one of the most significant debates on gender representation in Indian politics.