The Supreme Court of India observed a rising trend of National Law University graduates pursuing careers in the judiciary, indicating a shift in legal career aspirations. Justices addressed issues of inadequate remuneration for district judges while calling for reforms. The matter will be reconsidered on February 21 after additional submissions.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India on Wednesday (Jan 8th) observed a growing interest in judicial service as a career, particularly among graduates from National Law Universities (NLUs). The Court noted that an increasing number of NLU graduates are opting to join the judiciary soon after graduation, signaling a shift in career aspirations within the legal community.
A bench comprising Justices BR Gavai and AG Masih made the observation while hearing a petition filed by the All India Judges Association, which focuses on improving the service conditions of judicial officers in India.
During the hearing, Justice Gavai remarked,
“Most NLU graduates immediately join the judiciary after graduation. People of affluent class today also want to join the judiciary. That has got something to do with the independence of judiciary.”
The comment reflects a positive trend of highly educated and well-resourced individuals seeking careers in the judiciary, contributing to the system’s credibility and efficiency.
The Court also highlighted long-standing issues related to inadequate pay and pensions for district judges. In a previous hearing on January 7, the bench criticized the States for failing to provide proper salaries and retirement benefits to district judiciary judges.
“States seem to have enough money to give freebies to people who do no work but they claim financial crunch when it comes to paying salary and pension to judges of the district judiciary,”
the Court observed.
This comment came in response to Attorney General R Venkataramani’s submission that financial constraints need to be considered when deciding the remuneration of judicial officers.
In August 2024, the Court had raised concerns about the “meager pension” provided to district judges, even when some are later elevated to High Courts. Such systemic issues have been a point of contention, with calls for reforms to ensure fair compensation for those serving in the judiciary.
During the January 10 hearing, the Court listened to additional submissions from AG Venkataramani and other stakeholders. Following these, the matter was adjourned to February 21 for further consideration.
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