Supreme Court Restores 3-Year Practice Requirement for Civil Judge Exams

Supreme Court Reinstates 3-Year Legal Practice Requirement for Entry-Level Civil Judges; Cites Issues Arising from Direct Appointment of Fresh Law Graduates 

Supreme Court Restores 3-Year Practice Requirement for Civil Judge Exams. The Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice B.R. Gavai, has reinstated the requirement of a minimum of 3 years of legal practice to appear for the Civil Judge (Junior Division) exam. Key highlights: 

1. 3-Year Practice Rule Restored: 
   Mandatory for candidates; calculated from Bar Council enrollment date, not AIBE. 

2. Certification Required: 
   The certificate must be issued by the Principal District Judge or a senior advocate (10+ years) for High Court practice. 

3. LDCE Quota Restored to 25%: 
   Promotion quota to higher judicial service via Limited Departmental Competitive Exam increased from 10% to 25%. 

4. 10% Accelerated Promotions: 
   Reserved for meritorious Civil Judges (Junior Division) for faster elevation. 

5. Fresh Promotion Rules: 
   States must frame rules considering ACRs, judgments, and overall competence where none exist. 

6. 1-Year Mandatory Training: 
   All new judicial officers to undergo structured training. 

7. No Retrospective Application: 
   The new practice requirement will not affect already-notified recruitment processes. 

Background:  
The decision revisits and reinforces the 1993 All India Judges Association v. Union of India judgment. Earlier, the court relaxed post-Shetty Commission recommendations, but it has now reaffirmed the need for prior court experience due to practical issues faced by High Courts. 

Cause Title: All India Judges Association v. Union of India (W.P. (C) No. 1022/1989)