LG approves overhaul; Judicial service to have two-tier cadre system, promotions based on merit-cum-seniority
Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir government has notified the “Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh Judicial Service Rules, 2025”, introducing a comprehensive framework to regulate the appointment, promotion, service conditions, and retirement of judicial officers in the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
Issued by the Department of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs under S.O. 173, the notification was approved by the Lieutenant Governor in consultation with the High Court of J&K and Ladakh and the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission.
The rules derive authority from Articles 234, 235, and the proviso to Article 309 of the Constitution of India.
According to the notification, the judicial service will consist of two cadres: Civil Judge (Junior Division)-cum-Judicial Magistrate 1st Class and Civil Judge (Senior Division)-cum-Judicial Magistrate 1st Class/Chief Judicial Magistrate.
Appointments to the junior cadre will be made by the Lieutenant Governor on recommendations from the High Court and Public Service Commission, while promotions to the senior cadre will be carried out by the High Court based on a merit-cum-seniority formula. Officers with at least five years of experience in the junior cadre will be considered eligible for promotion.
The new rules introduce a structured system of evaluation for promotions, including marks-based assessments of civil and criminal judgments, annual confidential reports over five years, and a performance-based oral interview. Officers will be required to secure a minimum of 60 marks to qualify for promotion.
Probation periods have been fixed at two years for new recruits and promotees, with clear guidelines for confirmation, discharge, and extension of probation. The rules also outline criteria for discharging unsuitable probationers and promotees based on periodic reviews by the High Court.
A detailed framework for Assured Career Progression (ACP) has been included, linking advancement in pay scale to performance metrics such as work done, ACR ratings, and general conduct. Delay in ACP benefits beyond a year will entitle eligible officers to additional increments.
The retirement age has been fixed at 60 years, with provisions for premature retirement after performance evaluations at 50, 55, and 58 years. The rules also introduce new pay scales ranging from ₹77,840 to ₹1,94,660 depending on the cadre and ACP stage.
This sweeping overhaul is aimed at ensuring transparency, accountability, and merit in the judicial service structure across both Union Territories, and is expected to significantly strengthen the subordinate judiciary in the region.
