Archive · 13 Jan 2026
Supreme Court Mandates Practice Before Judicial Entry
The Supreme Court of India has decided that new law school graduates can no longer become judges right after graduation.
They must first work as lawyers for at least three years.
This change was made to ensure that judges have enough practical experience to do their jobs well.
The court believes that this will make the judiciary more efficient.
The decision was made by a large majority of the judges, with only one judge disagreeing.
The Chief Justice said that this change is important for the future of the judiciary.
The Supreme Court ruled that new law graduates must practice at the Bar for three years before becoming judges.
The judgment was made in the case of All India Judges Association v. Union of India (2025) INSC 735.
The decision was supported by a majority of eight to one.
Chief Justice Gavai emphasized the need for practical court experience to ensure judicial efficiency and competency.
This change affects the recruitment process for Civil Judge (Junior Division) positions.
- Who
- The Supreme Court of India
- What
- Mandated three years of practice at the Bar before entry into the lower judiciary
- When
- May 20, 2025
- Where
- India
- Why
- To ensure judicial efficiency and competency
- Date of Judgment
- May 20, 2025
- Case Name
- All India Judges Association v. Union of India (2025) INSC 735
- Voting Margin
- 8-1
- New Requirement
- 3 years of practice at the Bar
- Affected Position
- Civil Judge (Junior Division)
- Key Figure
- Chief Justice Gavai
- Core Principle
- Judicial efficiency and competency