Continuous' 7-Yrs Practice As Advocate Not Required For District Judge Appointment: Himachal Pradesh High Court

The Himachal Pradesh High Court ruled that continuous seven years of practice as an advocate is not required for the appointment of an Additional District and Sessions Judge under Article 233(2) of the Indian Constitution. The court clarified that cumulative periods of active practice totaling seven years are sufficient, even if there are breaks. The judgment came while addressing a petition challenging the appointment of a judge whose career included roles as a District Legal Aid Officer and a Civil Judge, causing interruptions in his advocacy practice.