Reservation for Civil Judges | Arguments Matrix

On 4 November, a five-judge Constitution Bench led by Chief Justice B.R. Gavai reserved judgement in the case involving the promotion of Civil Judges to the Principal District Judges post. The Constitution Bench took up the matter after a Bench, also led by CJI Gavai, referred the case to a larger bench noting that there was a need to look into questions of inter-se seniority between promotees, direct recruits and officers appointed through the Limited Departmental Competitive Examination.

The issue dates back to 16 September, when amicus Siddharth Bhatnagar pointed out that direct recruits progress faster to the PDJ level posts. This results in Civil Judges retiring without progressing to the PDJ posts at all. Following this, the Court sought data on appointments and promotions from all High Courts and state administrations. On 7 October, the Court noticed wide variations in cadre structures and promotional norms and referred the matter to a Constitution Bench.

In this matrix, we have summarised the key arguments. Our hearing reports explain these arguments in greater detail.