New Delhi, Oct 9: In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court on Thursday held that judicial officers who had completed seven years of practice as advocates before joining the bench can be considered for appointment as district judges against vacancies reserved for members of the bar.
A five-judge Constitution Bench comprising Chief Justice B.R. Gavai and Justices M.M. Sundresh, Aravind Kumar, S.C. Sharma, and K. Vinod Chandran delivered two separate but concurring judgments, clarifying that officers of the subordinate judiciary are eligible for direct recruitment as district judges under the bar quota.
“Judicial officers who have already completed seven years at the bar before entering service will be entitled to be appointed as district judges,” the CJI said, adding that the Constitution must be interpreted organically, not pedantically.
The court directed all state governments, in consultation with their respective high courts, to amend recruitment rules within three months in line with the ruling.
In a concurring opinion, Justice Sundresh observed that nurturing emerging legal talent early would strengthen the judiciary. “Letting go of such talent would lead to mediocrity, weakening the foundation of the judicial structure,” he noted, emphasizing that greater competition enhances quality.
The judgment, reserved on September 25 after hearing over 30 petitions, addressed key issues surrounding the interpretation of Article 233 of the Constitution, which governs appointments of district judges. (Agencies)
