Overview

• In‑service judicial officers may compete for direct recruitment if they have seven years’ practice at the Bar or a combined seven years as advocate and judge.
• Eligibility will be tested on the date of application rather than at the time of appointment.
• A minimum age of 35 years now applies to candidates from both the Bar and the judicial service.
• The ruling operates prospectively and will not disturb selection processes already underway.
• The Constitution Bench overruled Dheeraj Mor and related precedents, held the 25% direct‑recruit intake is not an exclusive advocates’ preserve, and directed States and High Courts to amend rules within three months.