Law graduates must practice 3 years before judicial exams: SC

The Supreme Court has declined to revisit its earlier order that makes three years of legal practice compulsory for law graduates before they can sit for entry-level judicial service examinations.

The matter was brought back before the court through a petition by a Madhya Pradesh judge, who asked that serving judicial officers be allowed to appear in these exams based on their courtroom experience.

On Aug 14, a bench of Chief Justice BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran dismissed the plea, making it clear that the May 20 ruling will stand.

“What is wrong in Madhya Pradesh? We will not modify this. This will open Pandora’s box,” the Chief Justice observed while rejecting the request.

The May judgment had barred fresh law graduates from attempting the judicial services test unless they had completed at least three years in active legal practice, though it allowed internship experience to be counted toward that period.

The court noted that relaxing the rule for serving judges could upset the principle of uniform eligibility, leading to administrative hurdles and inconsistent standards across states.

With this ruling, the SC reaffirmed its position that judicial service examinations are intended for candidates with sufficient practice in law, not those already holding judicial office.

Experts say the decision sets a uniform benchmark nationwide and avoids piecemeal changes that could complicate recruitment.