⚡ Quick Summary
Supreme Court Justice Ujjal Bhuyan recently highlighted the stark gender imbalance in the higher judiciary and designated senior advocates. Speaking at a university convocation, he recommended inviting female judges to the Supreme Court Collegium to ensure more inclusive decisions.
📌 Key Points
- Supreme Court currently has only 3 women judges out of a total working strength of 35.
- Justice Ujjal Bhuyan suggested inviting a woman judge to participate in Collegium proceedings.
- Representation drops sharply from entry-level judicial services to High Courts and the Supreme Court.
📋 Case at a Glance
| Court | Supreme Court of India |
|---|---|
| Bench | Justice Ujjal Bhuyan |
| Date | 2026-10-31 |
| Law / Issue | Judicial appointments and Senior Advocate designations |
A sitting judge of the Supreme Court of India, Justice Ujjal Bhuyan, has raised important concerns regarding the severe underrepresentation of women in the country's higher judiciary. While addressing attendees at a university convocation, he observed that the apex court's appointment body continues to remain predominantly male-dominated.
Justice Bhuyan suggested that the judicial appointment panel should actively invite a woman judge to attend its discussions. This step, he pointed out, would ensure that the selection process becomes more balanced, diverse, and representative of the nation's legal landscape.
Background
Justice Ujjal Bhuyan shared these reflections while attending the 12th Convocation of the University of Science and Technology in Meghalaya. He brought attention to the reality that out of the 35 judges currently serving in the Supreme Court, merely 3 are women.
He noted that this small number does not truly mirror the large presence of female lawyers and judicial officers actively practicing across India. The judge recalled that he had expressed similar concerns during a prior seminar organized by women advocates at the Supreme Court premises.
During that earlier event, legal practitioners met to evaluate the sparse representation of women elevated as senior advocates or appointed to the benches of various High Courts and the Supreme Court. Justice Bhuyan emphasized that concrete reform is necessary to correct this persistent institutional imbalance.
What the Court Said
Addressing the audience, Justice Bhuyan pointed out that despite significant strides made by female legal practitioners, very few rise to the top ranks. He indicated that subjective selection measures often hold women back from gaining senior advocate designations and higher judicial elevations.
Justice Bhuyan contrasted this situation with competitive examinations, where selection is anchored strictly in objective criteria. In entry-level Grade III judicial examinations across states like Assam, Meghalaya, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Telangana, women consistently secure more than half of the positions, reaching up to 65 percent in Assam.
However, as judicial careers advance toward Grade II positions such as Chief Judicial Magistrates, female presence drops to roughly 45 percent, and falls further to around 25 to 30 percent in Grade I posts. The numbers drop most drastically at the High Court and Supreme Court levels, where selection depends largely on Collegium recommendations rather than objective written examinations.
“These are male-dominated collegiums we have, it should incorporate a lady judge as a invitee to the Collegium proceedings.”
Justice Bhuyan stated that bringing a female judge into these crucial appointment sessions would provide vital perspectives and ensure that deserving female candidates at the Bar and on the bench are fairly considered.
The Law Explained Simply
In India, appointments to the High Courts and the Supreme Court are processed through a unique body commonly called the Collegium. This body consists of the Chief Justice of India and the most senior judges of the court, who deliberate and recommend names to the government for appointment.
Similarly, the process of naming an advocate as a 'Senior Advocate' involves an assessment of their merit, practice, and standing before the court. Because these appointments and designations are handled through institutional deliberations rather than regular competitive written tests, the standards used can sometimes become subjective.
When decision-making lacks formal diversity or strictly measurable criteria, broad patterns of selection often end up favoring traditional compositions. Introducing diverse voices into these selection committees is considered an effective way to remove unconscious bias and guarantee a fair assessment for everyone.
Impact on Common People
The composition of the judiciary directly influences how everyday citizens perceive justice. A diverse bench that represents both men and women fosters stronger public faith in the fairness and balance of the legal system.
When women make up nearly half the general population and a substantial portion of law graduates, their visible presence in courtrooms reassures ordinary litigants. Seeing women preside over vital constitutional, civil, and criminal disputes reinforces the principle of equal opportunity for all citizens.
Furthermore, opening paths for qualified female advocates and judicial officers encourages young legal professionals across the country. Better representation guarantees that the lived experiences and legal viewpoints of women are thoroughly integrated into judgments that shape national policies.
What To Do in a Similar Situation
If you or your organization are seeking institutional changes, greater representation, or challenging subjective evaluation processes in professional spaces, keep the following legal practices in mind:
- Maintain Clear Records: Always preserve comprehensive documentation of qualifications, merit rankings, track records, and professional service history.
- Rely on Objective Data: Whenever raising questions about institutional fairness or promotion imbalances, gather verified comparative statistics to substantiate your claims.
- Use Internal Forums: Raise formal suggestions and representations through authorized institutional bodies, professional bar associations, or regulatory committees.
- Seek Timely Guidance: Consult a qualified legal practitioner to explore appropriate procedural remedies under administrative or constitutional avenues without delay.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Supreme Court Collegium?
The Collegium is an internal panel made up of the Chief Justice of India and the most senior judges of the Supreme Court. It is responsible for recommending the elevation and appointment of judges to the High Courts and the Supreme Court.
Why did Justice Ujjal Bhuyan raise concerns about the Collegium?
He observed that the Collegium remains male-dominated and that only 3 out of 35 Supreme Court judges are women. He recommended inviting a female judge to the Collegium meetings to ensure fairer representation.
What difference did the judge note between competitive exams and Collegium selections?
He noted that women achieve high representation, often exceeding 50 percent, in entry-level judicial services where selection is based on objective tests. However, female representation drops sharply at the High Court and Supreme Court levels, where selection depends on more subjective recommendations.
Which states were mentioned regarding high women entry in judicial services?
Justice Bhuyan highlighted that states such as Assam, Meghalaya, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Telangana see substantial female recruitment in Grade III judicial services, with Assam recording up to 65 percent women.