3-Year Practice Rule Case in Supreme Court Postponed, Next Hearing on March 13

The Supreme Court has postponed the hearing in the matter concerning the proposed 3-year practice rule for judicial service eligibility. The case was scheduled to be heard on 9th March but will now be taken up on 13 March 2026 along with related matters.

The development came through an order passed after the Court reviewed the status of responses sought earlier from High Courts across the country. The matter concerns the requirement of mandatory legal practice before candidates become eligible to appear for judicial service examinations.

In a previous direction issued on 15 January 2026, the Supreme Court had asked High Courts to provide their views on the proposal relating to the three-year practice requirement. These responses were sought to understand how the rule might affect recruitment to the subordinate judiciary.

According to the latest order, most High Courts have already submitted their opinions. However, a few High Courts are yet to send their responses to the Court. Because of this pending information, the Bench decided to give the remaining High Courts additional time.

The Court directed the Secretary General of the Supreme Court to remind the Registrar Generals of those High Courts that have not yet filed their opinions. They have been granted a final opportunity to submit their views on the issue.

The order specifically states that these remaining High Courts must send their responses by 9 March 2026. The Court emphasised the need for complete information before proceeding further in a matter that could significantly affect the recruitment process for judicial officers across the country.

In addition, the Court ordered that one of the applications in the case, recorded under Diary No. 62914/2025, be separated from the main group of matters and listed before a regular Bench. That particular application has been scheduled for hearing on 24 April 2026.

Meanwhile, the principal matter relating to the three-year practice rule will be heard along with connected cases. The Court directed that Diary No. 37749/2025 and other related matters be listed together on 13 March 2026.

The question of whether candidates should be required to have three years of practice as advocates before entering the judicial service has been widely debated within the legal community. Supporters believe that prior courtroom experience would strengthen the quality of the judiciary, while critics argue that such a rule may restrict opportunities for fresh law graduates.

The Supreme Court’s upcoming hearing is expected to examine these competing perspectives along with the opinions submitted by the High Courts. The outcome may have a significant impact on the future structure of judicial recruitment in India.