States told to pick officers for women safety

THE Supreme Court on Tuesday held that fresh law graduates cannot appear in the judicial services examination, mandating a minimum of three years of legal practice for candidates applying to entry-level judiciary posts.

- EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE @ New Delhi

A two-judge bench of Chief Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih held the importance of courtroom exposure for prospective judges.

The court's verdict came on a plea filed by the All India Judges Association. The SC, however, clarified that the condition will apply only to future recruitment processes. The appointment processes already notified by the High Courts can proceed without this condition.

Delivering the judgment, the CJI said allowing fresh law graduates direct entry into the judiciary has created practical challenges, as reflected in reports submitted by various high courts.

"There should be a minimum of three years of legal practice, which must be mandatory for appearing in the judicial service examination for entry-level civil judge posts that are lower division cadre," the SC stated.