All India Judges Association v. Union of India: Three Years Bar Practice Now Mandatory for Civil Judge Exam

Introduction

In All India Judges Association v. Union of India (2025), the Supreme Court addressed long-standing concerns over judicial service eligibility norms, mandating three years of bar practice for Civil Judge aspirants.

Key Reforms

• Practice Requirement: Minimum three years of bar practice mandatory for Civil Judge (Junior Division) examination
• LDCE Modifications: Changes to Limited Departmental Competitive Examination quotas
• Merit Incentives: Structured incentives for meritorious judicial service

Rationale

The Court emphasized that practical courtroom experience enhances judicial competence. Fresh law graduates without practice experience may lack the practical skills necessary for effective judicial functioning.

Impact on Aspirants

This judgment significantly impacts law graduates planning to enter judicial services, requiring them to gain substantial practice experience before appearing for competitive examinations.

Implementation

State judicial services must now modify their recruitment rules to incorporate this mandatory practice requirement, ensuring better-prepared candidates enter the judiciary.