Supreme Court's Decision on Judicial Exam Eligibility: A Prospective Approach

The Supreme Court declared that its verdict requiring a minimum three-year law practice for entry-level judicial exams will be prospective, not affecting ongoing recruitment processes. This decision followed the challenge by lawyers against a Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission notification exempting the rule. The plea was dismissed as withdrawn.

The Supreme Court has clarified that its ruling mandating a minimum three-year law practice for entry into judicial services will only apply to future recruitment processes. This decision ensures that any ongoing recruitment will remain unaffected.

Chief Justice B R Gavai's bench had initially established this requirement on May 20, aiming to improve the experience level of candidates entering judicial services. However, they have emphasized that this will be enforced only prospectively.

The clarification came as the court dismissed a plea from Naveed Bukhtiya and others. They challenged a recruitment notification by the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission, which lacked the three-year practice mandate. The court upheld their decision to not interfere with processes already underway.

(With inputs from agencies.)