In a major reform aimed at enhancing the quality of judicial appointments, the Supreme Court of India has ruled that a minimum of three years of legal practice is now compulsory for candidates applying to entry-level judicial services across the country.

The verdict was delivered on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, by a bench headed by Chief Justice of India BR Gavai. The court emphasised that the direct appointment of fresh law graduates with no practical courtroom experience was proving to be detrimental to the judiciary.

This ruling effectively restores an earlier standard that required candidates to gain practical advocacy experience before appearing for judicial service examinations. Over the years, various High Courts and State Public Service Commissions had relaxed or removed this criterion, allowing freshers to enter the judicial service directly after graduation.

Chief Justice Gavai, in the court’s written judgment, observed that the judicial role demands more than theoretical knowledge and must be supplemented with actual litigation experience. The lack of exposure to the procedural and adversarial aspects of Indian courts among new recruits was impacting the efficiency, quality, and maturity expected from judges.

The court reviewed submissions from various stakeholders including bar associations and legal experts before concluding that three years of advocacy experience should be uniformly implemented as a qualifying condition for all State Judicial Services.

This decision comes in the backdrop of growing concerns about the falling standards of legal reasoning, judgment writing, and case management among newly recruited judicial officers.

Legal education in India has seen a sharp rise in the number of law graduates due to the expansion of law colleges and universities. However, the practical training remains largely insufficient, and most law graduates join the bench without ever setting foot in a courtroom.

By enforcing this new rule, the Supreme Court aims to ensure that the lower judiciary is staffed with individuals who have a realistic understanding of litigation and have faced the ground realities of the justice system.

Legal professionals and senior advocates have largely welcomed the decision. Many have called it a progressive move that will promote accountability, maturity, and real-world readiness among future judges.

The three-year experience rule is also seen as a way to bridge the gap between bar and bench, ensuring that those sitting in judgment have first-hand knowledge of the challenges faced by advocates and litigants.

Going forward, state public service commissions and High Courts will now need to amend their recruitment notifications and examination criteria to reflect the Supreme Court's order. Law graduates aspiring to judicial careers will now have to practice law in courtrooms for a minimum of three years before they can take up the judicial service exam.

Some critics, however, have raised concerns that the new rule may reduce the number of applicants, particularly from smaller towns where access to internships and legal practice opportunities may be limited. However, most legal experts believe that quality should take precedence over quantity when it comes to appointing judges.

This judgment is likely to have far-reaching implications on the legal education system, as law schools may now need to reorient their focus toward clinical legal training, internships, and practical exposure.

In conclusion, the Supreme Court’s mandate of three years of legal practice as a prerequisite for judicial service reflects an important step towards strengthening the judiciary with more competent, experienced, and litigation-aware individuals. It underscores the Court's intent to elevate the standards of justice delivery and protect the integrity of the Indian judicial system.

The Current active IPO are Victory Electric Vehicles International, Borana Weaves.

Start your Stock Market Journey and Apply in IPO by Opening Free Demat Account in Choice Broking FinX.

Join our Trading with CA Abhay Telegram Channel for regular Stock Market Trading and Investment Calls by CA Abhay Varn - SEBI Registered Research Analyst.