Qualifications of Supreme Court judges
Also called: Article 124(3) · Topic: Judiciary: Independence, Structure, Judicial Review and Activism · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
Art. 124(3) sets out who can become a Supreme Court judge. The person must be a citizen of India. They must also meet one of three tests: they have been a High Court judge for at least 5 years, they have been a High Court advocate for at least 10 years, or the President thinks they are a distinguished jurist (an outstanding legal scholar). The Constitution sets no minimum age.
Example
Most Supreme Court judges are promoted after serving as High Court judges. Some senior advocates are appointed directly from the Bar using the 10-year advocate test.
Don't confuse with
- Qualifications of High Court judges: a High Court judge needs 10 years in judicial office or 10 years as a High Court advocate. The 'distinguished jurist' route does not apply to High Courts.
Related concepts
- Integrated judiciary
- Supreme Court of India
- Yato Dharmastato Jayah
- Chief Justice of India
- Ad hoc judge
- High Court
- Common High Court
- Retired judges sitting in High Courts