Enhancing Gender Diversity in Judiciary
In a notable development for the Indian judiciary, the Supreme Court Collegium, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, along with Justices Sanjiv Khanna and BR Gavai, has recommended the appointment of two women, Shamima Jahan, an advocate, and Yarenjungla Longkumer, a judicial officer, as judges of the Gauhati High Court. This decision marks a significant step towards enhancing gender representation in the judiciary.
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The resolution passed by the Collegium is based on the careful scrutiny of the recommendations made by the high court collegium in May 2023. The process involved a detailed evaluation in October, followed by a request for a comprehensive report from the Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court. This report, prepared in consultation with members of the high court collegium, was aimed at providing in-depth insights into the candidates’ suitability, incorporating inputs from the government.
The Chief Justice forwarded the minutes of the collegium through letters dated October 19, 2023, and November 7, 2023, highlighting the candidates’ suitability for the esteemed positions. In line with the Memorandum of Procedure, judges from the Supreme Court, who are well-versed in the affairs of the Gauhati High Court, were consulted to assess the fitness and suitability of Jahan and Longkumer for the roles of judges.
After a thorough consideration of these inputs and the high court collegium’s recommendation, the Supreme Court Collegium concluded that both candidates are eminently suitable for appointment as judges of the Gauhati High Court. The Collegium resolved to officially recommend their appointments, with their inter se seniority to be determined as per the existing practice.
The Gauhati High Court, which currently has 23 judges, is operating just one short of its total sanctioned strength of 24 judges. Notably, only four of these judges are women. The addition of Shamima Jahan and Yarenjungla Longkumer is expected to not only fill this gap but also contribute to a more balanced gender representation on the bench.
This decision is a reflection of the ongoing efforts to promote diversity and gender parity in the Indian judicial system. The appointment of Jahan and Longkumer, subject to their acceptance, will be a significant step towards achieving this goal, ensuring a more inclusive and representative judiciary.
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