Addressing the Need for Social Diversity and Regional Benches in the Indian Judiciary
A private member Bill has been introduced in the Rajya Sabha to amend the Constitution to bring diversity to judicial appointments and establish regional benches of the Supreme Court. Currently, the Collegium system, established through the Three Judges Cases, governs appointments but faces criticism for lack of transparency and social representation. Between 2018 and 2024, only about 20% of high court judges belonged to SC, ST, or OBC categories. The Bill proposes mandatory representation for minorities and women and suggests regional benches in Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Chennai to improve access to justice for common citizens.
Key Points
- Article 124 and Article 217 of the Constitution govern the appointment of Supreme Court and High Court judges.
- The Collegium system consists of the CJI and senior-most judges, excluding the executive from the final selection.
- The National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) was struck down by the Supreme Court in 2015.
- Regional benches are proposed to reduce the burden on the Delhi bench and lower litigation costs for citizens.
Exam Facts
- Article 130 allows the Supreme Court to sit in places other than Delhi with CJI and Presidential approval.
- The Second Judges Case (1993) created the current Collegium system.
- Only 20% of judges appointed between 2018-2024 were from SC, ST, and OBC categories.
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