Supreme Court’s Landmark Directions on Judicial Service Promotions: Breaking Down the Eight Key Issues
The Supreme Court, in its recent ruling in All India Judges’ Association v. Union of India (2025 INSC 735), has once again shaped the future of judicial service structure in India. The judgment addressed eight critical issues ranging from quotas in judicial promotions to the minimum practice required for entry into the subordinate judiciary. The Court not only restored earlier mandates but also introduced fresh mechanisms to balance merit, seniority, and professional experience. Restoring the 25% Quota for LDCE in District Judge Promotions One of the major takeaways is the restoration of the 25% quota for promotions through the Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (LDCE) from the cadre of Civil Judge (Senior Division) to District Judges . Earlier, this quota was reduced to 10%, but the Court has now directed that rules across all High Courts and States must be amended to restore it to the original 25% . Reducing Experience Requirement for LDCE Eligibility The Court ha...