The Supreme Court has ruled that judicial officers who have seven years of experience as a lawyer before joining judicial service are eligible to be appointed as district judges through direct recruitment.
Earlier, a 2020 ruling had stopped such officers from applying under the Bar quota. The new decision has overturned that restriction.
The Court said that eligibility for appointment will now be checked at the time of application, and officers with a combined experience of seven years as a lawyer and judge will also qualify. The minimum age for applying is 35 years.
State governments, in consultation with High Courts, will frame new rules for direct recruitment to ensure this process is fair. Any existing rules not in line with the Supreme Court&rsquo;s decision will be canceled.
The Court also emphasized that this decision ensures merit-based selection, allowing the most capable candidates to compete, regardless of whether they are currently in service or advocates from the Bar.

SC Allows Judicial Officers in Direct Recruitment

Judicial officers with seven years’ Bar experience can now apply for district judge posts

SC Allows Judicial Officers in Direct Recruitment

Judicial officers with seven years’ Bar experience can now apply for district judge posts

October 9, 2025 | 15:18 IST