Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar has mooted the idea of competitive examination at all India level for entry into lower levels of judiciary saying that it will ensure representation of marginalised communities through assured reservations for SC/STs on the UPSC model.
Although the idea is not entirely new, the Law Minister speaking at a function organised by the All India Lawyers Board in Lucknow, reasoned that the practice would ensure inclusion of people from underprivileged communities in the judicial system and make the judiciary's character more representative besides addressing the shortage of judicial officers at lower levels in the system, according to a report in The Times of India.
"The judicial services examination if conducted by UPSC will be on the lines of the intake for Civil services where there is reservation for SCs and STs. Those selected can be allotted states to serve in and reservation will create opportunities for well-trained judicial officers from the deprived sections who will, over time, rise to higher positions." TOI quoted the minister as saying.
"A well organised judicial service can attract talent from our law schools and young, well-informed judicial officers at the level of additional district judge will make a difference. As ADJs and district judges, they can help move the judicial system move faster and more essentially," said Prasad according to the report.
