How to Become a High Court Judge

Being a High Court Judge is a prestigious position and a big achievement in the legal profession. In this article, we’ve mentioned the ways on- how to become a high court judge in India?

How to Become a High Court Judge

To become a High Court Judge in India, you have to qualify for the Judicial Service Examination and must have completed a sufficient year of experience working as a civil judge. There is an alternate path as well, in which a candidate must be an LLB graduate and must serve as a judicial officer or a high court lawyer for at least 10 years. Let's understand in detail how to become a high court judge.

Also Read: How to Become a Judge in India

How to Become High Court Judge?

To become a High Court Judge, 

• Candidate must be an LLB graduate and must be a citizen of India.  
• Have a experience of at least 10 years as a high court lawyer or judicial officer.
• Candidate must be below the age of 62 (as 62 years is the retirement age for High Court Judges).

High Court Judges in India are appointed by the President of India. The President consults the Chief Justice of India and the State Governors to appoint a High Court Judge.

Also Read: Career Scope After LLB

How to Become a High Court Judge- Judicial Service Examination

You can also become a High Court Judge by clearing the Judicial Service Exam, a competitive examination conducted by the state public service commission or the High Court to recruit Civil Judges. Every state conducted its own Judiciary exam (PCS-J), for example, the Uttar Pradesh Judicial Service Exam, Delhi Judicial Service Exam, Rajasthan Judicial Service Exam, etc.

By serving in the lower judiciary as a Civil Judge for sufficient years, you can be promoted to a High Court Judge.

Qualifications to Become a High Court Judge

To become a High Court Judge, you must meet the given qualification requirements

• Candidate secures a law degree, such as LLB or LLM 
• Must have at least 10 years of experience practicing as an advocate in the High Court, OR
• Worked as a Civil Judge or District Judge for sufficient years
• Must be a citizen of India

It is important to note, High Court judges are appointed by the President of India. The Chief Justice of India selects some names and recommends them to the law ministry. Later, the Law Ministry suggests the names to the  President of India after inspection. The final appointment is made by the President of India.

High Court Judge Retirement Age

The retirement age of a High Court Judge is 62 years. Earlier, it was 60 years, but after the 15th Amendment of the Constitution of India, it was increased to 62 years.

Eligibility to Become a High Court Judge

The candidates who want to become High Court judges through the Judicial Service Examination must have to meet the following eligibility conditions.

• Must have passed LLB from a recognized institution
• Enrolled with the Bar Council of India
• Must be a practicing advocate with at least 10 years of experience

What does a High Court Judge do?

A High Court Judge handles cases, hears pleas, and makes decisions for criminal and civil cases, ensuring the right judgment is served, and acts as the highest judicial authority in the state.

Apart from this, A High Court Judge also oversees the functioning of lower courts, releases legal decisions, such as a warrant, bail, and injunction. Also, a High Court Judge hears pubic interest litigation concerning fundamental rights.

Salary & Allowances of High Court Judge

The salary of a High Court Judge is INR 2,25,000/month. Above the salary, a high court judge gets allowances as well, such as dearness allowance, House Rent allowance (HRA), a chauffeur-driven car, medical facilities, and pension benefits after retirement.

Also Read: Hierarchy of Courts In India

Conclusion

To become a High Court Judge, a practicing advocate has to appear for the Judicial Service exam and start a career as a Civil Judge. Later on, with experience Civil Judge can be promoted to a High Court Judge. Alternatively, an Advocate practicing in a High Court for at least 10 years can become a High Court Judge. The appointment of the High Court Judge is made by the President of India with the consultation of the Chief Justice of India.