SC MPs' forum demands reservation in higher judiciary

New Delhi, Mar 19 (UNI) The Parliamentary Forum of Scheduled Caste MPs has adopted a resolution demanding reservation and representation for backward classes among the judges of Supreme Court and High Courts.

The resolution adopted by the forum said such provisions (of reservation) should be made and implemented ''without brooking and further delay.'' ''Without needing any further constitutional amendment, the provision for reservation in the higher judiciary has already been included in Article 14 and 15 of the Constitution...Article 15 (4) provides for special provisions for backward classes, SCs and STs in higher judiciary,'' the resolution added.

The forum pointed that since the procedure for selection of and appointment of judges has not been laid down explictly, unlike in the case of legislature and executive, the application of Articles 14 and 15 (4) could not be provided explicitly. ''The fact that the implied procedure did not bring babout the 'adequate representation' of these classes only shows the failure of the present implied procedure,'' the resolution lamented.

Expressing sorrow, the resolution concluded with words: ''It offends one's common sense as to why there should not be any reservation in a constitutional body of law interpreters, while it is available in the law makers' body (Parliament and state legislatures) and law implementers' body (executive).'' UNI NABSK RN1656