NEW DELHI: After facilitating appointment of a record three women Supreme Court judges last year, Chief Justice NV Ramana on Friday said more women judges does not reflect real inclusivity, which would come only with due representation of all segments of society in judiciary.
Speaking to judicial officers of Telangana, CJI Ramana said high court chief justices should expedite the process of filling up vacancies of judges and must bear in mind giving due representation to all segments of society while recommending names for appointment as HC judges.
In the presence of chief justices of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh HCs — justices Satish Chandra Sharma and Prashant Kumar Mishra, respectively — the CJI requested Justice Sharma to expedite the process of recommending names for filling up of vacancies in the HC.
“I urge him to keep in mind the social diversity while making recommendations for elevation. Inclusivity doesn’t stop with enhanced representation of women. Every segment of society should get due representation. Only then will society develop a sense of belongingness with the judiciary,” he said.
Advising judicial officers to remain healthy, both physically and mentally, and spend sufficient time with the family, Justice Ramana said, “Only when you are healthy, can you continue to perform your judicial duties efficiently.”
On the long-pending pay revision of judicial officers, the CJI said: “Let me assure you that I have taken up the issues related to pay commission and you will soon get good news on this front.”
However, he said the most important quality of a judicial officer is to discharge duties without fear “I am aware of the increasing physical attacks on judges. I am doing my utmost to prevent such occurrences. Directions were issued to improve the security of judicial officials, both inside and outside courtrooms,” he said.