Lok Sabha Question No. 4689 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-28
Subject: Appointment of Women Judges in Judiciary
Ministry: LAW AND JUSTICE
Asked by: Ms. S Jothimani

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF LAW & JUSTICE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4689 TO BE ANSWERED ON FRIDAY, THE 28 TH MARCH, 2025

## APPOINTMENT OF WOMEN JUDGES IN JUDICIARY

## 4689. MS. S JOTHIMANI:

## Will the Minister of LAW AND JUSTICE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has taken any steps to increase the
- representation of women in the judiciary, and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether there are any specific policies or reservations to promote the
- appointment of women judges in the higher and lower judiciary and if not, whether the Government plans to introduce such measures;
- (c) whether the Government has held any discussions with the judiciary or the collegiums system to enhance gender diversity in judicial appointments and if so, the details of such discussions; and
- (d) the comparative data on women's representation in the Indian judiciary versus other countries and the lessons India can adopt to ensure gender balance in the judicial system?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE; AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS

## (SHRI ARJUN RAM MEGHWAL)

- (a) to (d): Appointment of Judges to the Supreme Court and High Courts is made under Articles 124, 217 and 224 of the Constitution of India, which do not provide for reservation for any caste or class of persons.

As per the Memorandum of Procedure (MoP), the responsibility for initiation of proposals for appointment of Judges in the Supreme Court vests with the Chief Justice of India, while the responsibility for initiation of proposals for appointment of Judges in the High Courts vests with the Chief Justice of the concerned High Court. However, the Government is committed to enhancing social diversity in judiciary and 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. Only those persons who are recommended by the Supreme Court Collegium, are appointed as Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts.

Since 2014 till date 06 women judges have been appointed in the Supreme Court and 162 women Judges have been appointed in the High Courts. As on 18.03.2025, there are 02 women Judges working in the Supreme Court and 110 women Judges in High Courts. As on 28.02.2025, there are 7,852 women Judges working in District and Subordinate Courts.

Appointments in District and Subordinate Courts fall under the jurisdiction of State Governments and High Courts, as per Articles 233 and 234 of the Constitution of India. The recruitment process is governed by the rules framed by State Governments in consultation with High Courts.

Comparative data on women's representation in the judiciary across countries is not centrally maintained. Judicial appointments are made as per the provisions of the Constitution. Nevertheless, the Government remains committed to promoting social diversity, including gender representation, and continues to encourage consideration of suitable women candidates in the appointment process.

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