The need for diversity in the judiciary
The Core Issue: Lack of Social Diversity
The article highlights a significant demographic gap in the Indian higher judiciary.
- The Problem: Between 2018 and 2024, only 20% of judges appointed to the higher judiciary belonged to SC, ST, and OBC categories. Representation of women remains under 15%, and religious minorities under 5%.
Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2026
Introduced by DMK MP P. Wilson, this Private Member Bill targets two "Achilles' heels" of the Indian Judiciary: Lack of Social Diversity and Poor Geographic Accessibility.
Key Proposals (The "What")
- Proportional Representation: Mandates reservation for SC/ST, OBC, Women, and Minorities in the Supreme Court (SC) and High Courts (HC).
- Regional Benches: Splitting the SC into a Constitutional Bench (Delhi) and 4 Appellate Benches (Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata).
Structural Reforms:
Raising HC judges' retirement age from 62 to 65.
- Fixed Timelines: Government must act on Collegium picks within 90 days.
- Caste Census: Moving "Census" to the Concurrent List so states can collect caste data.
Arguments for Diversity & Regional Benches
- Public Confidence: A judiciary that reflects the "rainbow of cultures" increases its legitimacy in a diverse democracy.
- Varied Perspectives: Judges from marginalized backgrounds bring "lived realities" to legal interpretations, especially in cases involving social justice.
- Reduced Pendency: Regional benches would decentralize the workload, allowing the Delhi bench to focus on its primary role as a Constitutional Court.
Practice MCQ
Q)What is the retirement age of a judge of the Supreme Court of India?
A. 60 years
B. 62 years
C. 65 years
D. 70 years
Correct Answer: C
