Supreme Court Receives Compilation of Suggestions in All India Judges Association Case on Judicial Service Reforms

Background of the Case

The Supreme Court of India is currently hearing long-pending issues relating to reforms in the recruitment and service conditions of the subordinate judiciary in the landmark case All India Judges Association v. Union of India.

The matter is being considered along with another petition titled Bhumika Trust v. Union of India, which raises questions regarding eligibility conditions and reforms in the process of recruitment to judicial services.

On 11 March 2026, a compilation of suggestions received from various High Courts, universities, and members of the legal profession was submitted before the Supreme Court.

The document was prepared by Siddharth Bhatnagar, who is acting as Amicus Curiae in the case, and filed through Ankit Yadav, Advocate-on-Record.

Purpose of the Compilation

The compilation places before the Supreme Court views and recommendations from several High Courts and stakeholders regarding key issues in judicial recruitment, including:

• Whether the mandatory requirement of three years’ practice at the Bar should continue for candidates appearing for Civil Judge examinations.
• Possible reforms in eligibility criteria for entry-level judicial posts.
• The need for uniformity in judicial service recruitment rules across states.

These suggestions will assist the Court in determining whether changes are required in the recruitment framework governing the subordinate judiciary.

Suggestions by High Courts

Several High Courts have provided their observations regarding eligibility requirements and recruitment practices.

Allahabad High Court

The Allahabad High Court informed the Court that the Uttar Pradesh Judicial Service Rules, 2001 were recently amended on 30 January 2026 in compliance with directions issued earlier by the Supreme Court in the All India Judges Association case.

The High Court stated that:

• The first recruitment process under the amended rules is currently underway.
• Since the amended system is still at a nascent stage, it is difficult to assess the impact of relaxing or removing the three-year practice requirement.
• Therefore, the High Court left the final decision to the wisdom of the Supreme Court.

However, it also noted that earlier in May 2023, the Selection and Appointment Committee of the High Court had suggested introducing a minimum requirement of two years’ practice at the Bar before appearing for the Civil Judge (Junior Division) examination.

Chhattisgarh High Court

The Chhattisgarh High Court suggested that eligibility conditions should remain uniform for all categories of candidates appearing in judicial service examinations.

This recommendation highlights the concern that variations in eligibility standards across states may lead to inconsistencies in judicial recruitment.

Suggestions from Universities and Advocates

The compilation also includes suggestions received from:

• Universities
• Advocates
• Legal experts

Many of these stakeholders have provided opinions on:

• The adequacy of practical legal experience before joining the judiciary
• The need to balance fresh talent and practical courtroom exposure
• Improvements in judicial training and recruitment standards

These suggestions aim to strengthen the quality of candidates entering the subordinate judiciary.

Key Issue: Practice Requirement for Civil Judge Exams

One of the central questions before the Supreme Court is whether candidates should be required to have prior practice as advocates before joining the judiciary.

Historically, the three-year practice requirement has been debated due to two competing concerns:

1. Support for the requirement

   • Advocates argue that courtroom experience improves the quality of judicial decision-making.
   • Practical exposure helps judges understand litigation dynamics.

2. Arguments against the requirement

   • Some stakeholders believe the rule discourages young law graduates from entering judicial service.
   • It may also reduce the talent pool of candidates.

The Court is examining whether this requirement should be retained, reduced, or removed altogether.

Importance of the All India Judges Association Case

The case All India Judges Association v. Union of India is one of the most significant constitutional cases concerning the service conditions of the subordinate judiciary in India.

Over the years, the Supreme Court has issued several landmark directions in the case, including:

• Establishment of National Judicial Pay Commissions
• Improvements in salary structures and service conditions of judges
• Standardisation of judicial recruitment practices

The current proceedings focus on recruitment eligibility and structural reforms in judicial services.

Next Steps

The Supreme Court of India will examine the suggestions received from various institutions and High Courts before deciding whether changes are required in the eligibility conditions for entry-level judicial posts.

The outcome of the case could significantly impact judicial service examinations across India, particularly regarding the requirement of prior legal practice.

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