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Thread on Cornelia Sorabji (arguably India's first female lawyer) on her 154th birth anniversary. Her life is a story of hard work, persistence and dedication for one’s dream. She holds many firsts to her name.
For instance, she was the first woman student at Deccan College, first woman to read law at @UniofOxford @OxfordLawFac and first woman to practice law in both India and the UK.
She always wanted to be a lawyer but the patriarchy at the time created several hurdles on her way.
She always wanted to be a lawyer but the patriarchy at the time created several hurdles on her way.
For instance, she was refused a full scholarship to read for the BCL at Oxford despite being eligible, solely because of her gender. Although she passed the BCL in 1892, she only received her degree in 1922, when Oxford agreed to confer degrees on women.
She returned to India thereafter, and tried appearing before the Courts in Poona and Bombay but was denied the right. She cleared all examinations which would allow her to get the title of a ‘vakil’ but she was denied this right on flimsy grounds.
In fact, she cleared the Allahabad High Court’s pleader examination, that would entitle her to practice there. However, the final decision was put on vote before the Judges who reached a split 3:3 decision. The Chief Justice breaking the tie, ruled against her stating,
‘On reconsideration they felt it would be impertinent of an Indian HC to admit women to its rolls before England gave the leads’. She was finally enrolled in 1921 when the Sex Disabilities Removal Act1919 was passed in the UK. Her struggle on the basis of sex did not stop though.
Often her male colleagues would remark, ‘I hope your lordships will not be moved by your sympathy of a lady’. Her life has been aptly described as one of opening doors. Her determination to practice law broke glass ceilings and inspired many to break the status quo.
Today @SomervilleOx (her alma mater) offers a scholarship in her name to allow female students to pursue their dreams and not let patriarchy come in the way.
Remembering her today!
@royradhika7 @MandhaniApoorva
Remembering her today!
@royradhika7 @MandhaniApoorva
