New Delhi: The Supreme Court has upheld the requirement of prior legal practice for candidates seeking entry into the judicial service, while providing a limited transitional relaxation.
Candidates applying under notifications issued between May 25, 2025 and March 31, 2027 can appear without prior practice. Those selected will undergo one year of Judicial Academy training followed by one year of structured clerkship.
From April 1, 2027, candidates appearing for Civil Judge (Junior Division) examinations must have at least one year of active legal practice, supported by a practice certificate.
The court said prior exposure to the legal profession has a reasonable connection with judicial service. The bench comprised CJI Surya Kant, Justice August George Masih and Justice K. Vinod Chandran, who dissented.
