75% Of High Court Judges Appointed Since 2018 Are From General Category: Law Ministry

On the second day of the 2023 Monsoon Session of Indian Parliament, Hyderabad Lok Sabha MP Asaduddin Owaisi, asked the Ministry of Law and Justice whether it is a fact that 79% judges appointed in all High Courts were from upper castes during the last five years indicating inequitable representation of backward and minorities

He also asked whether it is true that only 2.6% of the total 537 judges since 2018 were from sections other than upper castes, and if the Government has urged CJI and CJs of High courts to address the issue of social diversity and social justice.

Lastly, he asked whether the situation has worsened after the collegium system has been introduced in appointment of judges.

The Ministry’s reply stated that as per information provided by the recommendees, out of 604 High Court Judges appointed since 2018, 458 Judges belong to the General Category, 18 Judges belong to the SC category, 09 belong to the ST category, 72 Judges belong to the OBC category, 34 Judges belong to Minority and for the remaining 13 Judges there is no information available.

The reply further stated that the appointment of Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts is made under Articles 124, 217 and 224 of the Constitution of India, which does not provide for reservation for any caste or class of persons.

“However, the Government has been requesting the Chief Justices of High Courts that while sending proposals for appointment of Judges, due consideration be given to suitable candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, Minorities and Women to ensure social diversity in the appointment of Judges in High Courts,” the reply added.

The reply clarified that based on the Memorandum of Procedure for appointment of Judges in the Supreme Court and High Courts, the Government appoints only those persons who are recommended by the Supreme Court Collegium.

Click Here To Read/Download The Reply