Supreme Court Extends Judicial Service Application Dates Amid Review of Three-Year Practice Rule

The Supreme Court directed all High Courts and State Public Service Commissions to extend the application deadline for Civil Judge (Junior Division) posts to April 30, 2026.

The Bench issued this interim order while hearing review petitions against the mandatory three-year bar practice rule.

The CJI observed that while the practice requirement aims to ensure judicial maturity, its "phased" implementation might have been more practical to avoid hardship for women and fresh graduates.

The Court refused to stay the mandate but scheduled a detailed hearing for next week to finalize modalities and address concerns regarding specially abled candidates.

[Bhumika Trust v. UOI]