Lawyer Experience Essential for Judges, 3-Year Rule Won't Hinder Women: Justice Nagarathna

Supreme Court Justice BV Nagarathna, speaking at Chanakya National Law University, Patna, dismissed concerns that a mandatory three-year practice rule would discourage women from joining the judiciary.

She emphasized that courtroom experience is a "mechanical necessity" for successful judging, stating that without knowing the strategies of a lawyer, one cannot effectively grant relief from the bench.

Justice Nagarathna argued that maturity gained through practice is vital for handling sensitive cases, such as those involving the death penalty.

Additionally, she clarified that the Chief Justice's role as "Master of the Roster" ends once a case is assigned, leaving judicial independence to the individual judge's conviction.