3 Year Practice Rule For Judicial Service : Live Updates From Supreme Court Review Hearing

LIVELAW NEWS NETWORK

13 March 2026 2:43 PM IST

  • 3 Year Practice Rule For Judicial Service : Live Updates From Supreme Court Review Hearing
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    The Supreme Court is hearing review petitions against the judgment holding that a 3-year practice is mandatory for entering into judicial services.

    Bench: CJI Surya Kant, Justice August George Masih and Justice K Vinod Chandran

    During the hearing last month, the CJI had orally commented that the three-year rule was disproportionately affecting women candidates.

    Responding to the Court's call for suggestions, several High Courts have supported retaining the condition while some others have supported relaxing the mandate for specially abled candidates.

    Law colleges have suggested broadening the meaning of "practice at the Bar" to include alternative forms of legal experience.

    Follow this page for live-updates from the hearing.

    Live Updates

    • 13 March 2026 3:19 PM IST

      Supreme Court orders extension of date of application for recruitment exams.

      Order: all the high courts are directed to extend the date of last date of submission of applications if they have already advertised the post up to 30th of April 2026. Fresh advertisement to be issued by State/High Courts for State Public Service Commission shall also have deadline of April 30.

    • 13 March 2026 3:13 PM IST

      Counsel: the young generation lawyers can be placed with the legal aid which can strengthen our legal aid system also.

    • 13 March 2026 3:13 PM IST

      Counsel: more than 85% of district courts are still not accessible for persons with disabilities. We are not against the practice rule we are saying that we want the relaxation in the form that we don't have to run here and there. We are seeking a reasonable accommodation where either we are given an opportunity in the law schools or the additional training...

    • 13 March 2026 3:10 PM IST

      Counsel on difficulties faced by persons with disabilities: no seniors hire persons with disabilities, no client relies on a person who has disabilities. There are structural and infrastructure problems, digital accessibility etc.

    • 13 March 2026 3:09 PM IST

      Rao: once there is a break then the family always insists that all right now move on to something else. For us the reproductive age is also crucial and it should not be set back because of this professional problem

      Anand: at the entry level there are high number of women it is only later at the retention level where the number drops.

    • 13 March 2026 3:08 PM IST

      Senior Advocate Nandita Rao on effect of the condition on women: this barrier is hurting years us. At the entry level its not that difficult but when they are put back that is a crucial time. If we are set back another 3 years then we will never be able to move forward in our career.

    • 13 March 2026 3:06 PM IST

      Senior Advocate Pinky Anand: these are not annual examinations. Every state conducts its examinations at whatever time. For the time being the condition maybe stayed while the court consider the modalities. Let retired judges assess and take all the stakeholders into account

    • 13 March 2026 3:00 PM IST

      Amicus Curiae Siddharth Bhatnagar: once suggestion is that some relaxation only for women and persons were disabilities. They may be permitted to complete the requirement either prior to or subsequent to clearing the exam

      CJI: That may not be very practical.

    • 13 March 2026 2:56 PM IST

      CJI: We want that slightly mature persons come in judicial services.

    • 13 March 2026 2:55 PM IST

      J Chandran on time required for preparation: this is about the coaching centres. I don't mind saying this in open court. I have been a chief justice, I have been a senior judge in the court and I have gone through interviews. We are saying this from experience

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