Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, May 20: In a landmark judgment set to redefine the path to becoming a judge in India, the Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled that fresh law graduates will no longer be eligible to appear for judicial services examinations, making three years of legal practice mandatory for aspirants seeking entry-level positions.
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud, Justice B R Gavai, and Justice Augustine George Masih delivered the ruling while hearing a petition filed by the All-India Judges Association, which had raised concerns over the lack of courtroom experience among newly inducted civil judges.
Pronouncing the verdict, CJI Gavai observed, “The appointment of fresh law graduates has led to several difficulties, as noted by multiple high courts across the country. Practical legal experience is vital for ensuring judicial competence and efficiency.”
The apex court’s decision effectively overturns the long-standing practice that allowed law graduates to sit for judicial exams immediately after completing their LLB degrees, ushering in a new era of merit through practice.
The ruling makes it mandatory for all candidates to have a minimum of three years of practice at the Bar to be eligible for civil judge (junior division) posts. This standard, the bench noted, would bring uniformity and improved quality to lower judiciary recruitment.
Legal experts believe this ruling is in line with earlier recommendations from law commissions and high court committees which had cited a gap in practical understanding among judges directly appointed from college campuses.
While seasoned legal professionals and senior judges have largely welcomed the judgment as a move towards raising the bar in judicial quality, several law students and fresh graduates have expressed dismay over the added hurdle.
“This will delay our judicial careers by at least three years, but we understand the rationale behind gaining real-world courtroom experience,” said Riya Mehta, a final-year law student from Delhi University.
The ruling is expected to prompt amendments in state judicial service rules and force public service commissions and high courts to restructure their recruitment processes. States like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, where large numbers of law graduates typically apply for judicial exams straight out of law school, will see a major shift in candidature trends.
With this decision, the Supreme Court aims to ensure a more grounded and practically aware lower judiciary, which forms the backbone of India's legal system.
Legal education institutions and aspirants alike will now have to adapt to a new norm, one that blends academic excellence with hands-on legal practice to shape the judges of tomorrow.