The Tarai Justice Centre, an organisation of lawyers working for marginalised communities in Madhes, has drawn the attention of the Judicial Council to the constitutional provision regarding appointment of judges on the basis of proportional representation.

On Sunday, Advocate Dipendra Jha on behalf of the Centre handed over a memorandum to Minister of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Ajay Shankar Nayak at his office and urged him to act in order to make the judiciary inclusive.

The constitution, Judicial Council Act and Judicial Service Commission Act have adopted the principle of proportional representation in judges’ appointment.

“Since the principle has not been followed, there is virtually no representation of Dalits, women, Madhesis, Muslims and Tharus in 237 posts for judges in the districts,” read the memorandum. The Judicial Council nominates all the judges appoints the judges.

On November 16, the centre had reminded the council of its legal obligation while hiring the judges in district courts, High Courts and Supreme Court.

The move comes at a time when the council issued a public notice asking practicing lawyers to submit their updated resumé to its office. The council nominates judges from among the law practitioners, for Districts and High Courts. Currently, more than 80 positions of High Court judges remain vacant.