Aarohi Girish Dhumale
On 4th March, 2025, the Supreme Court gave its order on whether minimum years of legal practice should be a mandatory qualification for judicial candidates. As a result of this order, the High Courts of Gujarat and Karnataka have decided to suspend their on-going Civil Judge (Junior Division) recruitment processes.
The issue is part of the on-going All India Judges Association vs. Union of India case. On 18th March, 2025, the Supreme Court bench, consisting of Justices BR Gavai and AG Masih, was informed that both High Courts had halted recruitment pending the Court’s final decision. In response, the Court disposed of the relevant interlocutory applications, noting the decision of both States to suspend further actions.
Additional Solicitor General KM Nataraj, on behalf of the Union government, submitted that the Karnataka High Court had already issued a notice to suspend its recruitment process. The Supreme Court had earlier granted a similar stay for Gujarat on 4th March, 2025, and the Gujarat High Court has also adhered to this by halting its recruitment.
As the recruitment processes remain on hold, the Supreme Court’s upcoming ruling is anticipated to clarify whether fresh law graduates are eligible to apply for Civil Judge positions, or if practical legal experience should once again be a mandatory qualification. This decision is expected to have a nationwide effect, potentially altering judicial recruitment policies across States.