New Delhi, May 20 — In a significant ruling affecting thousands of aspiring judges across the country, the Supreme Court on Tuesday declared that fresh law graduates will no longer be eligible to appear for judicial service examinations. The court mandated a minimum of three years of legal practice for candidates seeking entry-level judicial positions.
Key Highlights of the Verdict
A bench comprising Chief Justice B R Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih emphasized the need for practical legal experience, stating that real-world courtroom exposure is crucial for ensuring judicial competence and efficiency.The ruling pertains specifically to entry-level civil judge positions in the lower judiciary, where candidates will now be required to have at least three years of legal practice before being eligible to apply.
Implications for Judicial Aspirants
This judgment, passed in response to a plea filed by the All India Judges Association, is expected to reshape the landscape of judicial recruitment. The decision comes after various high courts submitted reports highlighting the challenges caused by appointing judges without courtroom experience.The bench stressed that the earlier practice of allowing law graduates to directly enter the judiciary has contributed to inefficiencies and practical hurdles in judicial proceedings.
Detailed Judgment Awaited
While the operative portion of the verdict has been delivered, the full, detailed judgment is still awaited. Legal experts believe that this decision could lead to a more experienced and prepared cadre of judicial officers in the long term, albeit at the cost of delaying entry into the judiciary for new graduates.This landmark ruling marks a shift in India's judicial recruitment policy, aligning with longstanding recommendations for professional legal experience before assuming judicial responsibilities.