More women join the Bench, but the path to the top remains narrow

Shruthi Naik

Senior Resident Fellow and Team Lead

At JALDI, I work on research and projects focused on improving case management, reducing delays in the progress of cases, and improving access to justice. Since 2016, I have worked extensively on access to justice and judicial policy reform. I have written and contributed to a number of data-driven reports on the functioning of the judiciary, worked closely with the judiciary and government to help improve the delivery of justice, conducted a large household survey, and edited a book on the impact of judicial delays. My areas of interest include access to justice, inequality, gender, and accountability in governance. I received a B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) from the National Law School of India University, Bengaluru in 2015 and a Master of Public Policy from the Hertie School, Berlin in 2023. Before joining Vidhi, I worked with the RefMig (Refugees are Migrants) project in Berlin, DAKSH, and Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas. My dream for the Indian judiciary is to make it efficient and responsive to the needs of all citizens, so that no one is forced to seek justice elsewhere due to factors such as time, cost of litigation or uncertainty. Outside work, I enjoy dabbling in art and experimenting with new cuisines.

Priyamvadha Shivaji

Senior Resident Fellow

At JALDI, I have worked on engagements with the High Courts of Meghalaya and Delhi and government departments in Karnataka, and produced independent research on various aspects including re-imagined Civil Rules of Practice, a Court Design Handbook for improving court infrastructure in India, a proposal for introducing Differentiated Case Management for the Indian judiciary etc. My work focuses on process re-engineering and the need for ensuring user-friendly, accessible, and efficient courts. I graduated with a B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) from NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad in 2020 and obtained the BCL from the University of Oxford in 2021. I have previously provided research assistance on various other independent projects. My dream for the Indian judiciary is for the system to inspire trust and confidence in all stakeholders. This occurs when the judiciary is deeply committed to accessibility, transparency, efficiency, technology and a culture of continuous learning and adaptability to meet the evolving needs of a dynamic society. Ultimately, courts should become well-equipped and welcoming spaces to make the pursuit of justice a vibrant, participatory and meaningful exercise. I love reading, writing speculative fiction, quizzing and learning new languages.

Inclusivity

Judicial Data