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:
3-Year Practice Rule Restored:
Mandatory for candidates; calculated from Bar Council enrollment date, not AIBE.
Certification Required:
The certificate must be issued by the Principal District Judge or a senior advocate (10+ years) for High Court practice.
LDCE Quota Restored to 25%:
Promotion quota to higher judicial service via Limited Departmental Competitive Exam increased from 10% to 25%.
10% Accelerated Promotions:
Reserved for meritorious Civil Judges (Junior Division) for faster elevation.
Fresh Promotion Rules:
States must frame rules considering ACRs, judgments, and overall competence where none exist.
1-Year Mandatory Training:
All new judicial officers to undergo structured training.
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)
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