Parliament Question: Transparency in Appointment of Judges

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3450 TO BE ANSWERED ON FRIDAY, THE 07th AUGUST, 2026 TRANSPARENCY IN APPOINTMENT OF JUDGES †3450. SHRI RAJESH RANJAN: Will the Minister of LAW AND JUSTICE be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government proposes any policy or initiative to increase the representation of women, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes in the Supreme Court and High Courts; (b) whether the Government proposes to take any corrective steps to make the appointment process of judges in the High Courts and the Supreme Court more transparent and time-bound; (c) whether the Government is formulating a long-term national action plan for judicial reforms in consultation with States, High Courts and other stakeholders; and (d) if so, the details thereof? 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 various 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 High Courts vests with the Chief Justice of the concerned High Court. However, the [1]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. *** [2]