Case Title:- ALL INDIA JUDGES ASSOCIATION vs. Union of India
Citation:- W.P. (C) No. 1022/1989
Date:- 28.10.2025
A Constitution Bench of the Hon’ble Supreme Court, led by CJI BR Gavai and comprising Justices Surya Kant, Vikram Nath, Vinod Chandran, and Joymalya Bagchi, is hearing the All India Judges Association case to address career stagnation among lower judiciary officers.
The Hon’ble Bench will decide whether a quota should be reserved in District Judge posts for officers who began as Civil Judges (Junior Division) to ensure better promotional prospects and determine criteria for seniority in higher judicial service.
The matter was referred to the Constitution Bench on October 7 by a division bench of CJI Gavai and Justice Vinod Chandran, noting that the issue needs a long-term, uniform solution across all States.
Key Points:
- Amicus Curiae Siddharth Bhatnagar highlighted that many Judicial Magistrates First Class (JMFC) officers face stagnation and rarely reach Principal District Judge level.
- He suggested reserving a percentage of Principal District Judge posts for promotion from JMFC officers.
- Senior Advocate R Basant opposed the proposal, arguing it would unfairly restrict opportunities for direct recruits and equate two distinct cadres.
- Several High Courts disputed the claim of stagnation.
- CJI Gavai emphasized finding a balance between both groups, ensuring administrative efficiency and avoiding “heart-burning” among young officers who retire as ADJs.
The Hon’ble Bench will now decide how to strike this balance between career progression and merit-based recruitment in the judiciary.
