Shilpi Nama
On 20th May, 2025, the Supreme Court of India introduced a major reform to address the issue of stagnation in the lower judiciary. In All India Judges Association and Others v. Union of India, the Court mandated an increase in the promotion quota for Civil Judges (Senior Division) to District Judges via the Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (LDCE) from 10 percent to 25 percent.
This directive, aimed at improving judicial career progression, was delivered by a Bench comprising Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justices K Vinod Chandran and AG Masih.
The LDCE functions as a fast-track mechanism that allows serving judicial officers to compete for accelerated promotions, encouraging merit-based advancement. Notably, the Supreme Court had originally set the quota at 25 percent in the third All India Judges Association (AIJA) case in 2002. However, it was reduced to 10 percent in the fourth AIJA case in 2010 due to a shortage of eligible candidates in several states. The present ruling revisits that decision, observing that the situation has since changed, with a sufficient number of Civil Judges (Senior Division) now qualified to take the LDCE.
Alongside raising the quota, the Court also lowered the minimum qualifying service for appearing in the LDCE from seven years to three years, thereby widening access for younger judicial officers. Additionally, the judgment introduced a new provision: 10 percent of posts in the Civil Judge (Senior Division) cadre will be earmarked for the fast-track promotion of Civil Judges (Junior Division) who have completed three years of service, also through the LDCE route.
To ensure uniform implementation, the Court directed all High Courts and State governments to revise their service rules so that LDCE vacancies are calculated based on total cadre strength, not just available posts. This reform is expected to streamline promotions and infuse fresh energy into the judicial system.
Case Name: All India Judges Association and Others v. Union of India
Case Number: WRIT PETITION (C) NO. 1022 OF 1989
Bench: Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justices K Vinod Chandran and AG Masih
Instagram: Click here.
LinkedIn: Click here.
For Collaboration and Business: info.desikaanoon@gmail.com
