New Delhi, Aug. 21 -- The Supreme Court on Friday reduced the mandatory practice requirement for lawyers seeking appointment as Civil Judge (Junior Division) from three years to one year, modifying its 2025 judgement that had restored the three-year practice requirement for entry-level judicial service.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Augustine George Masih and K. Vinod Chandran issued the directions. Justice K. Vinod Chandran dissented, holding that there was no ground to review the earlier judgement prescribing three years of practice at the Bar.

For recruitment notifications issued on or after April 1, 2027, the Court has directed that every candidate seeking to appear for the Civil Judge (Junior Division) ex...