The Supreme Court has amended its previous directive, allowing law graduates to participate in judicial service exams with just one year of legal experience, down from the earlier mandatory three-year requirement.
In a unanimous decision, the court ruled that candidates appearing for exams between May 25, 2025, and March 31, 2027, would be eligible regardless of their prior legal practice, provided they complete a year of training and clerkship.
Last year, the top court had barred fresh law graduates from these exams, mandating a minimum three-year legal practice period, sparking controversy and criticism from legal professionals and advocacy groups.
The new directive aims to streamline the entry process for judicial positions, potentially increasing the pool of candidates and reducing the time required for new lawyers to enter the legal profession.
The court's decision has been met with mixed reactions, with some praising the move as a step towards more accessible and inclusive judicial positions, while others argue that the reduced experience requirement could compromise the quality of legal representation in the future.
