November 15, 2001

‘7’

STEPS FOR INCREASING REPRESENTATION OF SCs AND STs IN HIGHER JUDICIARY

    The Centre has been very keen to increase the representation of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in the higher judiciary. In this connection, it has been addressing letters to the Chief Ministers of the States and the Chief Justices of the High Courts from time to time requesting them to locate persons from the Bar belonging to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes who are suitable for appointment of High Court Judges.

    Representations are received from time to time demanding adequate representation of SCs and STs in the higher judiciary. Appointments of judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts are made under Articles 124 and 217 of the Constitution of India respectively. These Articles do not provide for reservation for any caste or class of persons for appointment in the higher judiciary. Added to this, the Government is not maintaining the list of judges separately on castes or class basis.

    As for appointment of persons belonging to SCs and STs to quasi-judicial administration, efforts are on to increase their representation in such tribunals subject to availability of suitable candidates.