SC Allows Aspirants Without 3 Years’ Practice to Appear in Chhattisgarh Judge Exam

The Supreme Court on Friday clarified that candidates appearing for the Chhattisgarh Civil Judge (Junior Division) examination cannot be disqualified for not having three years of practice as an advocate, as long as the recruitment notification was issued before the Court’s May 20, 2025 ruling which made such practice mandatory across India.

A Bench headed by Chief Justice of India BR Gavai, along with Justices K Vinod Chandran and NV Anjaria, issued notice on petitions filed by aspirants challenging the eligibility condition introduced in the recruitment advertisement dated December 23, 2024.

The Court allowed these petitioners to appear in the exam scheduled for Sunday, though it clarified that this would not create any right in their favour until the matter is finally decided.

The Bench noted that since the Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission had already issued the advertisement and started the recruitment process before the May 20 judgment in All India Judges Association v. Union of India, the new rule of three years’ bar experience could not be enforced against these candidates.

The petitions will now be heard again after four weeks.

Senior Advocates Uttara Babbar and Vipin Sanghi, along with a team of lawyers, appeared for the petitioners.