Since November 2022, 221 names have been recommended for High Court judgeships across India. Of these, 29 appointments are still pending with the Central government, raising concerns over delays in judicial functioning.
The Supreme Court of India overturned a Kerala High Court ruling that invalidated A Raja’s election from Devikulam, allowing him to continue as MLA. The High Court had ruled Raja, a Christian, was ineligible for a Scheduled Caste seat reserved for Hindus. The Supreme Court dismissed the election petition and restored Raja’s status.
Today, On 24th April, The Supreme Court has slammed the suicides linked to caste discrimination in higher educational institutions, calling it “extremely unfortunate.” It has granted the University Grants Commission (UGC) permission to announce new regulations aimed at addressing caste-based discrimination and preventing such tragic incidents.
A special court in Pudukkottai accepted the CB-CID report stating that three Dalits were responsible for contaminating drinking water with human Waste. The report ruled out any caste-related motive in the incident. As a result, the case was transferred to a different court for further proceedings. The ruling dismisses allegations of caste-based atrocity in the matter.
Justice B.R. Gavai criticized the Supreme Court for its lack of discipline, calling it “the most undisciplined court” compared to the organized High Courts. He pointed out disruptive behavior among lawyers during proceedings and reiterated prior concerns about orderliness. Gavai is set to become India’s second Dalit Chief Justice in May 2025.
The Delhi High Court ruled that denying a caste certificate to a boy due to the absence of a formal divorce decree from his estranged father was unacceptable. Justice Sanjeev Narula emphasized that children of abandoned mothers should not be penalized, directing authorities to reconsider the boy’s application without paternal documentation.
The Delhi High Court rejected a plea for FIR registration against Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal regarding the 2013 death of AAP worker Santosh Koli, ruling there were insufficient grounds for the claim of a political conspiracy. Kalawati, Koli’s mother, argued that caste-based abuse was unsubstantiated under the relevant Act.
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Today, On 4th October, the Supreme Court dismissed review petitions challenging its previous ruling that allows sub-classification within Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe categories for job and education reservations. The court reaffirmed the decision as constitutionally valid, emphasizing the need for equitable distribution of benefits to the most marginalized groups within these communities.
There are 109 women serving as judges in India’s higher judiciary, marking progress towards gender equality. Efforts to increase this number must continue to create a supportive environment for women in the legal profession. The government’s commitment to transparency in judicial appointments reflects a positive step toward greater inclusivity.