How 3-Year Practice Rule Impacts Women Judicial Aspirants Needs To Be Observed : Justice Bhuyan

Justice Ujjal Bhuyan of the Supreme Court recently said that the Supreme Court's decision restoring the mandate of three years of experience as an advocate to apply for entry-level posts in judicial service has addressed the concern which many in the fraternity felt over time. However, there is a flip side too, especially for women judicial aspirants who may now face career interruptions due to societal constraints.

Justice Bhuyan was speaking on the topic of 'Constitutional Morality And Role Of District Judiciary' at a seminar organised by the Telangana Judges Association and the Telangana State Judicial Academy.

Justice Bhuyan said that many believe that experience at the Bar is vital as it enriches you with live experience beyond textbooks.

"This decision addresses a concern which many had felt over time. Judicial work demands a certain degree of maturity and practical exposure. Experience at the Bar allows a young lawyer to understand court room discipline, human behaviour and the weight of judicial responsibility. In that sense, the requirement of experience may strengthen the quality of new entrants to the district judiciary."

To this, he added that the flip side of this decision is that the initial years at the Bar can be not just demanding, but also there could be financial uncertainty, particularly for those who do not come from established backgrounds or those who came from the mofussil. Similarly, it could lead to career uncertainty for female judicial aspirants, who may be pressurised into marriage, as many families may not want to wait for that long.

"But there is a flip side too. The initial years at the Bar are both demanding and financially uncertain, particularly for those who do not come from established backgrounds or those who come from the mofussil. It may also have implications for women judicial aspirants especially those hailing from rural areas and small towns, who may face career interruptions due to societal constraints or family pressure for marriage. Therefore, what impact the three years' experience requirement may have on women aspirants, is something which we need to carefully observe; whether it will impact the significant and welcoming entry of women into judicial service is something which only future will tell."

Recently, the Supreme Court allowed open-court hearing for the review petitions challenging the 3-year practice mandate.

Also Read: 'Deep Societal Faultlines In India' : Justice Bhuyan Cites Denial Of Home To Muslim Girl, Opposition To Dalits Making School Meals