In a major development, the government has come out batting for the institution of a "properly framed" All India Judicial Service (AIJS) on the lines of other all India services like the Indian Administrative Services (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and others.

In a written reply to a query in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday (18 March), Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad emphasised that the establishment of AIJS is important to strengthen the overall justice delivery system.

Prasad said that the service would pave the way for induction of suitably qualified fresh legal talent selected through a proper all-India merit selection system.

He also added that this would address the issue of social inclusion by enabling suitable representation to marginalised and deprived sections of the society, reports Times of India.

Prasad also detailed the history of consultations regarding the proposal in the past. He shared that a proposal was formulated by a Committee of Secretaries in November 2012, and was thereafter included as an agenda item in the conference of Chief Ministers (CMs) and Chief Justices of the High Courts which was held in April 2013.

Prasad also said that there was divergence of opinion among the States and High Courts on the matter. While certain States and HCs were in favour of the proposal, some others stood against the creation of AIJS, and some opined that the proposal needed changes.

The minister also shared that the proposal was thereafter again included in the agenda of the conference of CMs and Chief Justices of High Courts held in April 2015. However, no progress was achieved. Prasad added that the government is engaged in a consultative process with the stakeholders to arrive at a common ground.