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General Studies 2021 GS Paper II 10 marks 150 words Compulsory Discuss

GS Paper II — Q2

Discuss the desirability of greater representation to women in the higher judiciary to ensure diversity, equity and…

Discuss the desirability of greater representation to women in the higher judiciary to ensure diversity, equity and inclusiveness. (Answer in 150 words) 10 marks

हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें

विविधता, समता और समावेशिता सुनिश्चित करने के लिए उच्चतर न्यायपालिका में महिलाओं के प्रतिनिधित्व को बढ़ाने की वांछनीयता पर चर्चा कीजिए। (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में दीजिए)

Q2 of the 2021 UPSC Mains General Studies GS Paper II, as printed
The question as printed in the 2021 General Studies paper
Evaluate your answer to this question → See all 2021 General Studies questions

Model answer

Written by UPSC Answer Check against this question's marking rubric, to the 150-word length. UPSC does not publish answers for Mains — this is one way to score well, not an official key.

Women constitute nearly 50% of law graduates, yet occupy merely ~11% of High Court judgeships, with historically minimal representation in the Supreme Court. Enhancing gender parity fulfills the constitutional mandates of Articles 14, 15, and 39A, ensuring that diverse perspectives enrich constitutional interpretation and judicial institutions.

Substantive Value and the Merit Debate Women judges contribute distinct lived experiences to jurisprudence, particularly in cases involving gender-based violence, matrimonial disputes, and workplace harassment. While traditional counter-arguments raise concerns over merit, underrepresentation stems from systemic exclusionary barriers rather than a deficit in competence.

Structural Barriers and Way Forward An opaque collegium system, invisible elevation criteria, and the deficit of women in senior litigation severely restrict judicial entry. Progress requires institutionalising transparent collegium selection norms, structured mentorship programmes, and wider regional representation. Furthermore, structural reforms such as establishing an All-India Judicial Service (AIJS) with gender reservation can ensure institutional diversity, equity, and inclusiveness.

What "Discuss" is asking you to do

Lay the issue out from more than one side — how it arose, what is claimed for it, what is held against it, and where it now stands. UPSC attaches discuss to broad topics with several live dimensions, so coverage of the dimensions earns more than the strength of your opinion.

Structure that answers it

Set the issue up → the case as it is made → the case against → the dimension both sides leave out → where the balance now lies

Where marks are lost

Listing facts with no thread between them, or arguing one side throughout and calling it a discussion.

All UPSC directive words, compared →

How this answer will be evaluated

Approach

Framework: GS2 Paper 2: Judiciary & Constitutional Morality. discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Analytical, cites specific judgment/committee, balanced close

Key points expected

  • Link representation to constitutional morality (Art 14/15)
  • Explain 'Diversity' as varied judicial perspective
  • Explain 'Equity' as fair access to justice
  • Conclude with a realistic reform or way forward

Evaluation rubric

Each sub-part is marked on its own, against the marks and word limit printed on the paper.

  1. The answer Intro > 3-4 dimensions (Diversity, Equity, Inclusiveness) > Example > Balanced close 10 marks · 150 words

    discuss— intro → 3-4 dimensions → example → balanced close

    Must cover

    • Link representation to constitutional morality (Art 14/15)
    • Explain 'Diversity' as varied judicial perspective
    • Explain 'Equity' as fair access to justice
    • Conclude with a realistic reform or way forward

    Loses marks

    • Reciting Articles without applying to judiciary
    • Activist tone or emotional language
    • Ending without a reform or way forward

    Earns more

    • Mention specific landmark judgment on gender justice
    • Reference 2nd ARC or Law Commission recommendation
    • Cite specific data on current women judges
    • Discuss the 'pipeline' issue in legal profession

    Extra mark

    • Cite specific Supreme Court judgment on gender bias
    • Mention specific Law Commission report number

Practice this exact question

Write your answer and it is marked point by point against the model answer above — what you covered, what you missed, what you got wrong.

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