What the examiner wants

Discuss why more women judges in the Supreme Court and High Courts are desirable for diversity, equity and inclusion.

Demand-wise check

1. 1Present status: low numbers in the Supreme Court and High Courts≈30 words
2. 2Why desirable: legitimacy and public trust, different perspectives in gender cases, role models, equality of opportunity≈30 words
3. 3Barriers: collegium opacity, fewer women at senior Bar, age and practice criteria, care burdens, lack of facilities≈30 words
4. 4Measures: transparent collegium criteria, more women from the Bar and lower judiciary, Memorandum of Procedure reform≈30 words

Open in about 20 words and close in about 20.

Answer plan

Value addition

• DataJustice Fathima Beevi (1989) was the first woman Supreme Court judge; only 11 women have been Supreme Court judges in its history, and about 14% of High Court judges are women.Department of Justice / Supreme Court data
• FactIn August 2021 three women were appointed to the Supreme Court together; Justice B.V. Nagarathna is in line to be the first woman Chief Justice of India (2027).Supreme Court of India