Since 2014, 170 Women Judges have been appointed in the High Courts, including 96 in the last five years and 06 in the Supreme Court

**Executive Summary** This document from the Ministry of Law and Justice, posted on February 6, 2026, provides an update on the appointment of women judges in the Supreme Court and High Courts of India. It highlights the government's commitment to enhancing social diversity within the judiciary. The report includes details on the number of women judges in these courts as of February 2, 2026. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Appointment of Judges:** * Appointments to the Supreme Court and High Courts are made under Articles 124, 217, and 224 of the Constitution of India. * The Constitution does not provide for reservations based on caste or class. * **Memorandum of Procedure (MoP):** * The Chief Justice of India initiates proposals for appointments in the Supreme Court. * The Chief Justices of the respective High Courts initiate proposals for appointments in the High Courts. * **Government's Commitment to Social Diversity:** * The government requests the Chief Justices of High Courts to consider candidates from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, Minorities, and Women. * **Statistics on Women Judges:** * Since 2014, 170 women judges have been appointed to the High Courts. * 96 of these appointments occurred in the last five years. * 6 women judges have been appointed to the Supreme Court since 2014. * **Appointment Process:** * Only individuals recommended by the Supreme Court Collegium are appointed as judges. * **Annexure Table:** * Provides detailed information on the sanctioned strength, working strength, and number of women judges in the Supreme Court and various High Courts (as of 02.02.2026). * The information was provided by Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Law and Justice; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs in Lok Sabha. **Impact Analysis** **Key Stakeholders Impacted:** * **Supreme Court Collegium** * **Impact:** The document highlights the importance of the Collegium's role in recommending judges. * **Action Required:** Continue to recommend candidates, giving due consideration to diversity as requested by the government. * **Chief Justices of High Courts** * **Impact:** Expected to give consideration to suitable candidates when sending proposals for appointment of Judges. * **Action Required:** While sending proposals for appointment of Judges, give due consideration 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. * **Government of India** * **Impact:** The document reflects the government's commitment to enhancing social diversity in the judiciary. * **Action Required:** Continue to request the Chief Justices of High Courts to consider candidates from diverse backgrounds when sending proposals. * **Prospective Judges (Women, SC, ST, OBC, Minorities)** * **Impact:** Highlights the potential for appointment to the Supreme Court and High Courts. * **Action Required:** Continue to meet the required qualifications and standards for consideration by the Supreme Court Collegium. * **Citizens of India** * **Impact:** Enhanced social diversity in the judiciary promotes fairness and inclusivity within the justice system. * **Action Required:** None.

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