Published: 18 February 2026Governance
Rajya Sabha MP Introduces Judicial Diversity Bill 2026 for Social Representation in Higher Judiciary
Rajya Sabha MP P. Wilson introduced the Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2026, seeking to mandate social diversity in the higher judiciary and establish regional benches of the Supreme Court in Chennai, Mumbai, and Kolkata. Data cited shows 78% of High Court judges (2018-2024) from upper castes; women comprise only 14% of HC judges.
Only one sitting woman judge serves in the Supreme Court, and religious minorities represent less than 5% of judicial appointments. The Bill aims to enhance institutional legitimacy through inclusive representation and equitable access to justice. The private member's Bill is expected to generate debate on the collegium system and the broader question of affirmative action in constitutional institutions.
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Frequently asked questions
What does the Judicial Diversity Bill 2026 introduced in Rajya Sabha propose for the higher judiciary?
**Rajya Sabha MP P. Wilson** introduced the **Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2026** seeking to: (1) mandate **social diversity** in the higher judiciary; (2) establish **regional benches of the Supreme Court** in **Chennai, Mumbai, and Kolkata**. The Bill was prompted by data showing **78% of High Court judges (2018-2024) were from upper castes** and women comprised only **14%** of HC judges.
What data on caste and gender representation in Indian higher judiciary prompted the Judicial Diversity Bill 2026?
The **Judicial Diversity Bill 2026** was prompted by data showing: **78% of High Court judges (2018-2024) were from upper castes**; women comprise only **14% of HC judges**; only **one sitting woman judge** serves in the Supreme Court; and **religious minorities represent less than 5%** of judicial appointments. MP **P. Wilson** introduced the Constitution Amendment Bill to address these imbalances.
What is the collegium system in India's judiciary and how does the Judicial Diversity Bill 2026 relate to it?
The **collegium system** is the mechanism by which senior Supreme Court and High Court judges recommend appointments and transfers in the higher judiciary. The **Judicial Diversity Bill 2026**, introduced by Rajya Sabha MP **P. Wilson**, is expected to generate debate on reforming the collegium system by introducing **affirmative action** for social diversity — women, minorities, OBCs, and SCs/STs — in constitutional institutions.
Where are the proposed regional benches of the Supreme Court under the Judicial Diversity Bill 2026?
The **Judicial Diversity Bill 2026**, introduced by **Rajya Sabha MP P. Wilson**, proposes establishing **regional benches of the Supreme Court** in **Chennai, Mumbai, and Kolkata**. Currently the Supreme Court sits only in **New Delhi**, limiting access to justice for litigants from distant states. Regional benches would improve geographic access to the highest court.
What percentage of women judges are in Indian High Courts according to 2026 data cited in the Judicial Diversity Bill?
According to data cited in the **Judicial Diversity Bill 2026** introduced by **Rajya Sabha MP P. Wilson**, **women comprise only 14% of High Court judges**. At the Supreme Court level, only **one sitting woman judge** was present at the time of the Bill. The Bill aims to mandate social diversity representation in higher judiciary appointments.
