Supreme Court Refers Career Stagnation of Young Judicial Officers to Constitution Bench

A Supreme Court Division Bench has referred the issue of promotion stagnation among young judicial officers to a Constitution Bench.

Senior Advocate Siddharth Bhatnagar, acting as amicus curiae, highlighted that Judicial Magistrates First Class (JMFC) face limited opportunities to rise to Principal District Judge posts or High Court positions, causing demotivation among capable officers.

A proposal to reserve a percentage of Principal Judge posts for JMFC promotions was considered but rejected by the amicus.

The Bench stressed the importance of balancing competing interests to maintain judicial efficiency and ensure that career progression for officers does not undermine the administration of justice.