Judicial Officers With 7 Years' Law Practice Eligible for District Judge Posts Under Bar Quota : Supreme Court

The Supreme Court has held that judicial officers with at least seven years of prior legal practice are eligible for appointment as District Judges under the Bar quota.

It also ruled that in-service candidates applying for District Judges' direct recruitment must be at least 35 years old to ensure a level playing field.

A five-judge Bench overruled the 2020 Dheeraj Mor decision, which had barred judicial officers from applying under the Bar quota.

The Court directed State governments, in consultation with High Courts, to frame rules for such recruitment. It clarified that the ruling will apply prospectively. Judicial officers with a combined experience of seven years as lawyers and judges will also be eligible for direct recruitment.

[Rejanish K.V. v K. Deepa]