Appointment figures of high court judges in last seven years: OBC-Scheduled category only 18 percent

NEW DELHI: OBCs and Scheduled Castes make up less than a fifth of the country's high court judges. The Centre washed its hands in Parliament when asked whether it would introduce reservations in the appointment of judges.

The Supreme Court had last month notified the principle of reservation in the appointment and promotion of Supreme Court employees. Reservation in the appointment of judges was discussed after this. The Center has clarified that it cannot interfere in it as the appointment of judges in the Supreme Court and high courts is based on the articles of the Constitution and the collegium recommendation. The social status of those recommended for appointment as high court judges has been sought since 2018. The Center has placed the figures in the House accordingly.

753 judges were appointed in the high courts of the country from 2018 to July 28, 2025. Of these, OBC-Scheduled categories constitute 18 percent and minorities constitute only 5 percent. The Centre explains that it has requested the high courts to pay attention to social justice in appointments. The total requirement in high courts is 1114 judges. Of these, 30 percent of the posts are vacant, which reduces the opportunities for the backwards classes.

The appointment of employees in the High Courts is currently based on the relevant rules. Reservation is not applicable. This was changed by making a historic decision to apply reservation in the appointment of employees in the Supreme Court.

Total High Courts: 25

Judges appointed in 7 years: 753

OBC- 93

SC- 24

SC- 17

Minority- 42

Women - 117