Report
Affirmative Action and Representation in India’s District Judiciary: Law, Policy, and Practice
Report content
A diverse judiciary helps improve public trust, address barriers to access justice, and ensures that the reality of variegated lived experiences determines judicial outcomes. Such diversity assumes greater salience in Indian society, which is characterised by multiple groups, some of which have faced historic injustice in the form of discrimination and exploitation. The objective of this report is to study the present state of diversity in the district judiciary, including, affirmative action and ensuring representation of different groups. The report sheds light on the challenges encountered in understanding the extent of diversity in the judiciary ranging from the lack of transparency in the applicable laws to data gaps. It includes a detailed examination of the legal provisions in each state laying down reservation benefits and other relaxations for specific groups in the district judiciary on the basis of caste, gender, disability status, economic backwardness, etc. Drawing on data collected by JALDI through Right to Information applications, it also presents data on caste diversity in direct appointments made to the district judiciary from 2018 to 2024. The report concludes by putting forth recommendations for the judiciary to enhance its diversity and ensure greater representation on the Bench. These include (i) introducing greater transparency and uniformity in data keeping and documentation practices to help better map judicial diversity, and (ii) meaningfully addressing problems of inclusion and ensuring regular appointments to fill all reserved vacancies in judicial posts.
Report document
Affirmative_Action_and_Representation_in_Indias_District_Judiciary.pdf
Authors
Shruthi Naik
Senior Resident Fellow and Team Lead
At JALDI, I work on research and projects focused on improving case management, reducing delays in the progress of cases, and improving access to justice. Since 2016, I have worked extensively on access to justice and judicial policy reform. I have written and contributed to a number of data-driven reports on the functioning of the judiciary, worked closely with the judiciary and government to help improve the delivery of justice, conducted a large household survey, and edited a book on the impact of judicial delays. My areas of interest include access to justice, inequality, gender, and accountability in governance. I received a B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) from the National Law School of India University, Bengaluru in 2015 and a Master of Public Policy from the Hertie School, Berlin in 2023. Before joining Vidhi, I worked with the RefMig (Refugees are Migrants) project in Berlin, DAKSH, and Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas. My dream for the Indian judiciary is to make it efficient and responsive to the needs of all citizens, so that no one is forced to seek justice elsewhere due to factors such as time, cost of litigation or uncertainty. Outside work, I enjoy dabbling in art and experimenting with new cuisines.
Abhishek Rath
Research Fellow
I have primarily carried out research focused on judicial diversity at JALDI. My work explores the intersection of human rights and institutional reform, examining how technological innovation can strengthen judicial efficiency and advance access to justice. I graduated with a B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) from National Law University Odisha in 2025. During law school, I interned with various research organisations like DAKSH and Centre for Law and Policy Research (CLPR) as well as with the Centre for Research and Planning (CRP), Supreme Court of India. I have also published on platforms like the Oxford Human Rights Hub (OHRH) blog and LSE's Human Rights Blog. My vision of an ideal judiciary is one that catalyses the realisation of our lofty constitutional ideals in the lives of the marginalised. Only an accountable, responsive and humane judiciary can recognise and safeguard the status of individuals as dignified, rights-bearing citizens while being responsive to shifting social realities. Outside of work, I enjoy quizzing, watching films and playing chess.