Is the three-year practice mandate for judicial service welcome?

On May 20, 2025, the Supreme Court restored a minimum of three years of legal practice as a mandatory condition to apply for entry-level judicial service. The ruling reverses the Court’s 2002 decision that had removed the practice requirement, originally mandated by a 1993 judgment.

Is the three-year practice requirement a welcome move? Here we discuss the question.

Guests: Prashant Reddy T., co-author of Tareekh Pe Justice: Reforms for India’s District Courts; Bharat Chugh, Delhi-based advocate and former civil judge

Host: Aaratrika Bhaumik

Edited by Jude Francis Weston