There are 109 women serving as judges in the higher judiciary. This notable presence marks a significant step towards gender equality within the legal profession. The increasing representation of women in these prominent roles highlights progress in breaking barriers and promoting diversity.
New Delhi: As many as 109 women judges currently serving in the higher judiciary, with three in the Supreme Court, the government informed the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.
In a written reply, Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal stated that,
“At present, three women judges are working in the Supreme Court and 106 in various high courts.”
Meghwal also clarified that the Constitution does not provide for reservation for any caste or class of persons in the higher judiciary, which includes the Supreme Court and the 25 high courts.
Read Also: Former Supreme Court Judge Indira Banerjee Addresses ‘Gender Imbalance’ in the Judiciary
Since 2018, candidates recommended for high court judge positions must submit details about their social background in a prescribed format, created in consultation with the Supreme Court.
Meghwal provided data on appointees, stating,
“Out of 661 high court judges appointed since 2018, 21 belong to the Scheduled Caste category, 12 belong to the Scheduled Tribe category, and 78 belong to the Other Backward Classes category till July 25.”
This information highlights the government’s efforts to track and promote diversity in the judiciary, reflecting a commitment to transparency and inclusivity in judicial appointments.
The presence of 109 women judges in India’s higher judiciary, including three in the Supreme Court, marks a noteworthy achievement in the pursuit of gender equality. The government’s commitment to transparency in judicial appointments, as evidenced by the collection of social background data, is a positive step toward greater inclusivity.
Read Also: Retired Justice Ajit Singh Challenges ‘Unjust’ Pension System in Supreme Court
Despite these positive developments, challenges remain. The number of women in the higher judiciary, while significant, is still relatively low compared to their male counterparts. Efforts to increase this number must continue, focusing on creating an environment that supports and encourages women at all stages of their legal careers. This includes addressing issues such as work-life balance, mentorship, and professional development opportunities.
However, to fully realize a judiciary that reflects the diversity of Indian society, ongoing efforts are required to support and promote the inclusion of women and individuals from various social backgrounds in the legal profession.