Less representation of weaker sections in high courts, Supreme Court: President Kovind

Indian President Ram Nath Kovind has expressed concern over the less representation of woman and traditionally weaker sections in high courts and the Supreme Court.

The President said, "Of the 17,000 judges in our subordinate courts, High Courts & SC only about 4,700 are women. In addition, there's an unacceptably low representation of traditionally weaker sections such as OBCs, SCs & STs, especially in the higher judiciary."

The President also added that "without compromising on quality, we need to take long-term measures to remedy this situation."

President Kovind also asked for simplifying the laws and repealing outdated laws to thereby decongest the statute book and promote ease of governance.

The President was speaking at the inaugural function of the two-day meet organised jointly by the Law Commission and Niti Aayog on the National Law Day.