New Delhi: In a thought-provoking revelation, Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant disclosed that several Indian states and Union Territories have never contributed a Chief Justice to the Supreme Court, spotlighting a regional gap in the judiciary’s highest office.
Speaking at a legal seminar on Wednesday, CJI Kant, who hails from Haryana, emphasised the need for diverse representation in the apex court to strengthen India’s judicial fabric.
The list of states and union territories without a CJI includes Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry. Since the Supreme Court’s inception in 1950, 50 CJIs have served, with states like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Punjab leading in representation.
CJI Kant, the 52nd CJI, noted that while the judiciary strives for inclusivity, historical and structural factors, such as smaller judicial pools in newer or smaller states, have limited representation. He urged legal communities in these regions to foster talent, hinting at reforms to ensure equitable opportunities.
The remarks come amid discussions about judicial diversity, with only three women and a handful of judges from marginalised communities having served as CJIs.
Legal experts view this as a call to action for nurturing judicial talent in under-represented states, potentially reshaping the Supreme Court’s future. As India’s judiciary evolves, CJI Kant’s observation underscores the importance of a truly national bench.