Advocates Forum for Social Justice, Tamil Nadu, has appealed to Chief Justice Altamas Kabir to ensure proper representation to lawyers belonging to the Vanniar community in the proposed appointment of 11 judges to the Madras High Court.
In a memorandum submitted to the office of Justice Kabir, forum president K. Balu wanted him to take note of the lack of adequate representation to Vanniars and disparities in the appointment of judges to the High Court.
The memorandum pointed out that though Vanniars represented 21 per cent of the population in Tamil Nadu, their representation in the higher judiciary was only four per cent in the last 60 years from among lawyers, while four judges from subordinate judiciary belonging to the community were elevated as High Court judges.
It quoted the report of the National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution that only about 20 judges (at that time) belonged to the Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes from among the 610 High Court judges. The report had recommended appointment of judges from Other Backward Classes to ensure proper representation to all sections of society.
The Centre has been repeatedly requesting the authorities concerned to recommend competent persons from Other Backward Classes and Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes for appointment of judges to higher judiciary.
It said out of the total strength of 60 judges in the Madras High Court, 11 posts were vacant and in the existing strength some communities were over represented, while others had no representation.
It requested Justice Kabir to ensure that at least three persons from Vanniar community are recommended for 0judge’s post this time.
