Supreme Court Ruling On Minimum 3 Years of Practice for Judicial Service Entry.

Supreme Court Ruling On Minimum Practice for Judicial Service Entry 

The Honorable Supreme Court of India has ruled that candidates looking to join the judicial services as entry-level judges (such as Civil Judge, Junior Division) must go through a minimum of three years of active legal practice as advocates. The court ruling replaces the previous verdict which was issued in 2002 in All India Judges' Association v. India passed a law in 1990 which allowed newly qualified law graduates to go straight into the judiciary without previously practicing law in any courts.

It was pointed out by the Supreme Court that having experience from practicing law is vital for honing a judge’s mind, thinking skills and knowledge of practical law. It pointed out that people in these positions should not just learn in school but need to participate in law practice to better know how to make decisions and deliver justice effectively.

Key Highlights:

At least 3 years of advocacy experience is required for candidates to be considered for judicial recruitment.

This ruling will come into place just for recruitment that happens after the decision is made. The continued or previously announced selection process will not be affected.

All applicants must submit a certificate confirming their practice experience which must be signed by either a principal judicial officer or a senior advocate who has practiced for more than 10 years. 

Work as a law clerk can count toward the three-year experience necessary for admission.

The goal of this judgment is to maintain the standards of the lower judiciary by helping new judges learn how court processes work which, in turn, increases public belief in the justice system

All India Judges Association and Ors. v. Union of India and Ors