Representation in the Judiciary: Women and Social Backgrounds

The Indian government informed the Rajya Sabha that 109 women judges, including three in the Supreme Court, are serving in India's higher judiciary. Despite the lack of constitutional reservations for caste or class in higher judiciary appointments, data since 2018 shows diverse representation among judges regarding social backgrounds.

The Rajya Sabha was informed on Thursday that 109 women judges are currently serving in India's higher judiciary, with three of them positioned in the Supreme Court. This was stated by Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal.

In a written reply, Meghwal added that no constitutional provisions exist for reservation based on caste or class within the higher judiciary, covering the Supreme Court and the country's 25 high courts. However, since 2018, judicial appointees have been required to provide social background details through a prescribed format, formulated in consultation with the Supreme Court.

Among the 661 high court judges appointed since 2018, Meghwal noted that 21 belong to the Scheduled Caste category, 12 to the Scheduled Tribe category, and 78 to the Other Backward Classes category as of July 25.

(With inputs from agencies.)