In a recent ruling that reshapes the landscape of judicial appointments, the Supreme Court of India mandated three years of legal practice as a prerequisite for appearing in judicial service examinations. While this aims to enhance the quality of judges at the entry level, it has stirred an important debate — Does experience necessarily translate into judicial excellence?
The Intent Behind the Rule
The Court rightly emphasized that trial court judges — who deal with evidence, witnesses, and real human stories — need ground-level experience before delivering justice. Practical exposure teaches what textbooks can’t: how to read a courtroom, how to handle pressure, and how to apply procedural laws effectively.
But here’s the question we must ask:
If experience were a golden ticket to good judgment, would we still see flawed, delayed, or biased decisions even in our High Courts?
Experience Alone Is Not Enough
Across India, we see judges with decades of experience — and yet:
- Cases drag on for years, sometimes decades.
- Judicial writing lacks clarity and coherence.
- Socially regressive views still influence outcomes.
- Justice is delayed, and sometimes denied.
The truth is: Experience doesn’t guarantee empathy, efficiency, or evolution.
What We Truly Need in a Judge
A great judge isn’t just someone who has practiced for long. A great judge is:
- Empathetic to the stories behind the case files.
- Unbiased, regardless of the people involved.
- Deeply grounded in the Constitution and human rights.
- Continuously learning, even after decades in service.
- Able to balance law with justice.
The Real Reform Must Go Deeper
While the three-year rule may bring more maturity into the lower judiciary, it must be part of a larger reform, not the end goal.
We need:
- Transparent and merit-based judicial appointments
- Ongoing judicial training and evaluation
- Ethics, empathy, and accountability
- Legal education reform at the LLB level
- Judges who don’t just apply the law but also understand its social context
Conclusion: Don’t Confuse Years with Wisdom
As a law student, future judge, or legal professional, this moment challenges us all.
Let’s not just demand “experienced judges” — let’s demand better judges. Judges who are thoughtful, informed, socially aware, and fearless.
Because in the end, it’s not about how long you’ve practiced law.
It’s about how well you uphold justice.
What do you think? Does experience matter more than empathy and ethics in the judiciary? Share your views in the comments.
Lawwithjanvi 