Chief Justice of India KG Balakrishnan on Saturday batted for appointing more women judges and asserted that judiciary should help bridge socio-economic disparities.
Lamenting the inadequate number of women judges at all levels, he attributed this to the presence of less women lawyers.
In his inaugural address marking the 40 years of Himachal Pradesh High Court in Shimla, Balakrishnan said judiciary "has a great role in removal of social inequalities and the common man must feel the impact of judicial delivery system.
"It is not important that judgements should be lengthy but these should help bridge the socio-economic disparities in society," the CJI said.
He said judiciary should address problems of education and health care.
Union Minister Virbhadra Singh, Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal, Chief Justice of Himachal Pradesh High Court Kurian Joseph and former Supreme Court judge Krishna Iyer were also present on the occasion.
Iyer said there should be complete transparency in appointment of judges.