New Delhi: The Supreme Court’s five-judge Constitution Bench has overturned a four-year-old ruling, paving the way for a new avenue of promotion for junior judicial officers.
According to the latest judgment, advocates who have completed seven years of legal practice and are subsequently appointed as judicial officers can now be directly elevated to the position of District Judge.
Eligibility for appointment will be assessed at the time of application. In-service judicial officers will become eligible for consideration as District Judges after completing seven years of service. The upper age limit for direct appointment to the post of District Judge has been set at 35 years. However, this new ruling will not affect appointments already made under the previous system.
The Supreme Court also rejected the demand for a 25% quota in direct recruitment. In its judgment, the Court observed that the previous interpretation of Article 233 of the Constitution—restricting eligibility solely to practicing advocates—was erroneous.
The Court clarified that the provision merely prescribes qualifications for advocates and does not impose any restriction on those already serving in the judicial service.
