Appointment of district judges must follow protocols of promotion and direct recruitment

In the matter of Ravi Oraon vs The State Of Jharkhand on 9 October, 2025 observed that appointments to the post of district judge must respect both modes of recruitment: promotion from the judicial service and direct recruitment from advocates or pleaders. A Bench of Justices M. M. Sundresh held that the Constitution deliberately leaves the eligibility of persons in the judicial service open to the discretion of the High Court and Governor, reflecting the principles of independence of the judiciary and separation of powers.

The Bench emphasized that the consultation of the High Court under Articles 233 and 234 is an essential constitutional safeguard, ensuring that legislative or executive interference does not compromise judicial independence. The Court clarified that persons in the judicial service are fully entitled to compete for vacancies intended for direct recruitment, and any interpretation creating a bar in their favour would violate Article 14 of the Constitution by effectively reserving posts for advocates or pleaders.

Relying on precedents including State of Bihar v. Bal Mukund Sah, Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala, and Registrar (Admn.), High Court of Orissa v. Sisir Kanta Satapathy, the Court reaffirmed that maintaining and enhancing the quality of the subordinate judiciary at the foundational level is vital for public confidence, reducing pendency, and strengthening the judicial structure. The Bench concluded that Articles 233, 233-A, 234, and 235 together constitute a complete constitutional code for recruitment, appointment, and control of the district judiciary, insulating it from external interference.

Takeaway: The Supreme Court reinforced that independence of the judiciary is a core constitutional principle; both judicial officers and advocates are eligible for appointment as district judges, and the High Court’s consultation is an indispensable safeguard against executive or legislative intrusion, ensuring meritocracy and quality in the subordinate judiciary.

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Hiring Now: Legal Researcher – Rajasthan High Court, Jodhpur | Contractual

Legal Researcher | Rajasthan High Court, Jodhpur

Rajasthan High Court, Jodhpur, is inviting applications for the position of Legal Researcher on a contractual basis. Selected candidates will be deputed to assist Hon’ble Mr. Justice Bipin Gupta. This role provides an exceptional opportunity for fresh law graduates and postgraduates to gain hands-on experience in legal research, case analysis, and judicial operations within one of India’s premier high courts.

Organization Overview

Rajasthan High Court, Jodhpur, serves as the apex judicial body of the state of Rajasthan, dealing with civil, criminal, constitutional, and administrative matters. The High Court has a rich legacy of judicial excellence and aims to strengthen the legal ecosystem through academic and practical engagement. This opportunity is ideal for candidates looking to develop a career in legal research, litigation, judicial services, or policy-related legal work.

Location

Jodhpur, Rajasthan

The Legal Researcher will be based at the High Court premises in Jodhpur. The role requires close interaction with the judicial office, clerical staff, and legal databases to support accurate and timely research. Candidates will gain exposure to court procedures, case management systems, and judicial decision-making processes.

Position & Duration

  • Position: Legal Researcher
  • Engagement Type: Contractual
  • Tenure: As per Court’s requirements

This contractual role provides candidates with a structured learning experience, combining practical exposure to case law research with direct mentorship from an esteemed judicial officer.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following qualifications and skills:

  • Fresh Law Graduate (LL.B.) or Postgraduate in Law (LL.M.) from a recognized university/college/institution in India
  • Basic computer proficiency for drafting, legal research, and documentation
  • Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to evaluate case laws and legal precedents
  • Excellent writing and communication skills for drafting briefs, summaries, and research notes
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and work with high professional ethics
  • Attention to detail and organizational skills to manage multiple research assignments efficiently

Key Responsibilities

As a Legal Researcher, the selected candidate will be entrusted with a variety of responsibilities that provide comprehensive exposure to legal processes and judicial functions:

  • Conduct thorough legal research on statutes, regulations, case laws, and precedents relevant to ongoing matters before Hon’ble Mr. Justice Bipin Gupta
  • Draft research briefs, case summaries, and reference notes to support judicial decision-making
  • Prepare notes for hearing schedules, interim orders, and judgments
  • Analyze legal documents and provide insights on case strategy or points of law
  • Assist in reviewing petitions, applications, and affidavits for correctness and compliance
  • Maintain a well-organized repository of case materials and research outputs
  • Undertake additional responsibilities assigned by the Court to ensure smooth functioning of judicial operations

This role allows candidates to gain a deep understanding of procedural and substantive law, enhance research acumen, and acquire firsthand exposure to high-quality judicial reasoning.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate for this Legal Researcher position will demonstrate the following attributes:

  • Enthusiasm for research and understanding legal principles in depth
  • Proactive attitude to anticipate requirements and deliver high-quality work
  • Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a legal team environment
  • Strong organizational skills to manage multiple research projects simultaneously
  • Professional demeanor with a commitment to punctuality and reliability

Salary & Benefits

  • Remuneration: As per Rajasthan High Court norms
  • Candidates will receive structured guidance and mentorship from senior judicial officers
  • Opportunity to build professional networks within the judiciary and legal research community
  • Certificate of engagement upon successful completion of the tenure

How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply online via the official Rajasthan High Court portal:
https://lnkd.in/gsSVQ-iE

Candidates must ensure that all educational certificates, identification proofs, and other supporting documents are uploaded as per the application instructions. Early application is recommended to avoid missing the deadline.

Last Date to Apply

28th August 2025

Why This Opportunity is Valuable

The Legal Researcher role at Rajasthan High Court, Jodhpur, provides fresh law graduates and postgraduates with an immersive environment to learn from real judicial practices. Candidates will gain insights into court proceedings, legal drafting, and case law analysis, while working closely with Hon’ble Mr. Justice Bipin Gupta. This exposure is invaluable for pursuing careers in litigation, judicial services, research, or academic law.

Final Takeaway

This is a golden opportunity for motivated law graduates and postgraduates seeking a career in legal research and judicial assistance. By working directly under a distinguished judge, the candidate will acquire skills and experience that are highly respected in the legal profession. Strong research aptitude, analytical thinking, and a commitment to excellence are key to thriving in this role. Candidates are encouraged to submit their applications promptly for consideration.


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