Supreme Court Rules Out Quota For Civil Judges/District Judges; Issues Guidelines On Seniority In Higher Judicial Service

The Supreme Court held that there cannot be a reservation/quota system for Civil Judges aspiring to become District Judges under Article 233. The judgment clarifies the appointment and seniority criteria for Higher Judicial Service (HJS). The Court laid down guidelines on how seniority, merit, and service experience should be evaluated. It stressed that judicial appointments must remain merit-based to maintain institutional quality and independence.