Chief Justice Asks High Courts to Consider Women Lawyers from Supreme Court for Judges

Chief Justice of India asks High Courts to consider women lawyers from the Supreme Court for judge roles. This aims to make appointing women judges more common.
By Newsroom | Law, India |

The Chief Justice of India, Justice Surya Kant, has formally implored High Court collegiums to broaden their scope in selecting judges, specifically advocating for the inclusion of female lawyers practicing at the Supreme Court. This directive, issued during a recent event, emphasizes that women advocates are not seeking special favors but are looking for equal consideration in the judicial elevation process. The Chief Justice pointed to existing models, such as the Punjab and Haryana High Court with 18 sitting women judges, and the Madras and Bombay High Courts each having around a dozen female judges, as evidence of successful integration.

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Advocates from Supreme Court Pool

Justice Surya Kant’s call is directed at High Court collegiums to actively consider women advocates from their respective states who are currently practicing in the Supreme Court. This suggests a deliberate effort to tap into a potentially underutilized talent pool, bringing experienced legal minds into the higher judiciary. The Chief Justice framed this as a move towards making the elevation of women judges a norm rather than an exception.

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Addressing Potential Barriers

The Chief Justice also touched upon common reasons for rejection, stating that the unavailability of suitable candidates within a particular age bracket should not serve as an insurmountable barrier to considering women for judgeship. This implies a flexibility expected from the collegiums, urging them to look beyond rigid criteria that might disproportionately exclude qualified female candidates.

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Equality, Not Concessions

A core tenet of the Chief Justice's address was the assertion that women lawyers seek equality, not concessions. This statement aims to reframe the discussion around diversity in the judiciary, pushing back against any notion that the inclusion of women is a form of charity or preferential treatment. It underscores the demand for a merit-based system that genuinely accounts for the capabilities and experience of all legal professionals.

Background Context

Justice Surya Kant’s remarks were made in the context of discussions surrounding judicial representation and diversity. The push for greater inclusion of women in the judiciary has been a recurring theme, with various stakeholders highlighting the benefits of a diverse bench in reflecting societal plurality and fostering public trust. The Chief Justice’s specific focus on Supreme Court practitioners indicates a strategy to elevate seasoned advocates whose experience at the apex court might bring a unique perspective to the High Courts.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What did the Chief Justice of India ask High Courts to do about appointing judges?
The Chief Justice of India, Justice Surya Kant, asked High Court collegiums to think about appointing women lawyers who are practicing at the Supreme Court. He wants them to look more widely when choosing new judges.
Q: Why should High Courts consider women lawyers from the Supreme Court for judge roles?
The Chief Justice believes these women lawyers have valuable experience. Including them would help make appointing women judges a normal thing, not something rare.
Q: What did the Chief Justice say about age limits for women judges?
Justice Surya Kant said that not finding a candidate in a certain age group should not stop High Courts from considering women for judgeship. He wants them to be flexible with the rules.
Q: Are women lawyers asking for special treatment to become judges?
No, the Chief Justice stated that women lawyers are looking for equal chances, not special favors. They want to be judged on their skills and experience fairly.
Q: Which High Courts already have many women judges?
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has 18 women judges. The Madras and Bombay High Courts each have about 12 women judges, showing it's possible to have good representation.