BRIDGING THE BENCH AND BAR : THE CASE FOR MANDATORY JUDICIAL PRACTICE

AUTHOR – UTSAB SENGUPTA, STUDENT AT SIKSHA O ANUSANDHAN NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF LAW

BEST CITATION – UTSAB SENGUPTA, A BRIDGING THE BENCH AND BAR : THE CASE FOR MANDATORY JUDICIAL PRACTICE, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 5 (11) OF 2025, PG. 404-407, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344

ABSTRACT

This article critically examines the recent judicial mandate requiring a minimum of three years of legal practice for entry-level judges in India, highlighting the growing emphasis on bridging the gap between legal theory and practical experience. Tracing the evolution of this debate through landmark judgments and reports such as the All India Judges Association cases, the Law Commission’s 117th Report, and the Shetty Commission recommendations, the paper underscores the judicial rationale for reinstating mandatory bar practice. It evaluates the implications of this policy on aspiring judicial candidates, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, corporate legal sectors, and women balancing career breaks. While acknowledging the drawbacks, the article also explores the significant advantages of experiential learning in developing judicial competence, ethical conduct, and courtroom confidence. The analysis concludes that despite its challenges, the new mandate is a prudent move toward enhancing the quality, sensitivity, and preparedness of the Indian judiciary.