The Supreme Court of India witnessed a split among judges over the mandatory three-year bar-practice requirement for Civil Judge (Junior Division) appointments. While some stressed courtroom experience to counter coaching-centre influence, others warned the rule may exclude talented young law graduates.
Former Chief Justice of India N. V. Ramana said the government lacked intent to achieve gender parity despite women forming forty percent of trial court judiciary. He said, “Government showed casual attitude appointing women judges in higher courts.”
Gita Mittal highlighted challenges women face entering and advancing in the judiciary, recalling a Delhi High Court collegium meeting where she questioned the absence of women during discussions on judicial appointments.
Orissa High Court Justice Savitri Ratho said, “I was stalked when I started practising law,” while speaking about the challenges faced by women lawyers. She shared the incident during a panel discussion on gender gaps in the judiciary at the Indian Women in Law conference held in the Supreme Court.
Surya Kant said institutional intent alone cannot improve women’s representation in the higher judiciary, urging High Court collegiums to consider deserving women lawyers and expand the zone of consideration so their elevation to the Bench becomes the norm.
The Bombay High Court ruled that judicial appointments cannot be rushed and must prioritize merit and temperament over quick vacancy filling. The Court recalled its earlier order seeking a time-bound recruitment blueprint, emphasising quality in the subordinate judiciary.
The Supreme Court of India refused to order reservation for OBC advocates in the appointment of government pleaders in Madhya Pradesh, citing absence of any statutory mandate. However, the Court strongly urged the MP Advocate General to ensure fair representation of marginalised communities and women in future appointments.
Supreme Court Collegium, in a historic move approved appointing five retired judges as ad hoc judges of the Allahabad High Court under Article 224-A to reduce vacancies and pendency, ensuring faster justice delivery nationwide effectively.
Advocates’ Association Bengaluru has raised concern over the absence of OBC and BCM-A lawyers in recent Karnataka High Court judge recommendations from the Bar quota. The Association called the situation “gross under-representation” and urged the High Court Collegium to ensure fair and constitutional representation.
The Delhi High Court Bar Association celebrated Justice Surya Kant’s appointment as Chief Justice of India at the Main Court Building. In his address, CJI Kant emphasized, “Collaboration between bar and bench is crucial in the justice delivery system.”
