The proposal to establish the All-India Judicial Service aims to standardise recruitment, address judicial vacancies and strengthen efficiency, transparency and federal balance in India’s subordinate courts.

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• The idea of AIJS was first proposed by the Law Commission in the 1950s to ensure uniform standards in judicial appointments.
• Article 312 of the Constitution of India was amended in 1976 to constitutionally enable the creation of AIJS.
• The proposal envisages centralised recruitment of district judges through a nationwide competitive examination, followed by allocation to states.
• In All India Judges Association v. Union of India, the Supreme Court supported steps toward forming AIJS to strengthen the judiciary.
• Supporters argue that AIJS would improve efficiency, reduce case pendency, ensure merit-based selection and enhance public confidence.
• Critics highlight concerns regarding local laws, language barriers, federal structure and judicial independence.
• Structural reforms, better pay scales, training in local languages and consensus among states are seen as essential prerequisites.