New Delhi, May 20 -- In a significant verdict, the Supreme Court has reinstated the requirement of a minimum three years of legal practice for candidates aspiring to join the judicial services as Civil Judge (Junior Division). The decision marks a reversal of earlier relaxations, following concerns raised by multiple High Courts over the lack of practical courtroom exposure among fresh law graduates.

A Bench comprising Chief Justice B.R. Gavai, Justice Augustine George Masih, and Justice K. Vinod Chandran ruled: "We hold that the 3-year minimum practice requirement to appear for Civil Judges (Junior Division) exam is restored."

The Court also ordered the amendment of service rules to reflect this eligibility criterion, directing that th...