The Supreme Court on August 14 declined to entertain a plea seeking modification of its earlier order that mandates a minimum of three years of practice as an advocate for entry-level judicial service. The applicant had requested that prior experience as a judicial officer be considered equivalent to practising as a lawyer.
A Bench headed by Chief Justice of India BR Gavai, along with Justice K Vinod Chandran, heard the application linked to the All India Judges Association case. The counsel argued that judicial officers, having worked in courts, possess richer and more practical experience than advocates. Drawing a comparison with law clerks, whose experience can be counted towards the three-year requirement, he urged the Court to extend similar consideration to judicial officers.
However, the CJI refused, cautioning that such a relaxation would “open a Pandora’s box.” The Bench suggested that the applicant appear for judicial service examinations in his own State instead.
What is the 3-Year Practice Rule?
In May 2025, the Supreme Court ruled that all High Courts and State Governments must amend service rules to ensure that candidates for Civil Judge (Junior Division) posts have at least three years of advocacy experience before applying. This requirement is not applicable where recruitment processes had already started before the ruling.
The Court emphasised that candidates must provide a certificate attested by a senior advocate or a judicial officer, confirming their practice period. The decision was aimed at addressing concerns that appointing fresh law graduates without any court practice was affecting the quality of the judiciary.
The original rule existed in most States until 2002, when it was removed, allowing fresh law graduates to directly join the judiciary. However, several petitions and recommendations from High Courts prompted the Supreme Court to reinstate it.
The case, All India Judges Association & Ors. vs Union of India & Ors., also dealt with other service matters, including promotions through the Limited Departmental Competitive Exam.
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