District Court

Posts and Career Path

District and Sessions Judge

Overview

The District and Sessions Judge is the highest judicial authority at the district level, serving as a District Judge for civil cases and a Sessions Judge for criminal cases. Appointed by the Governor in consultation with the High Court, this role involves adjudicating serious civil and criminal matters, supervising subordinate courts, and ensuring justice delivery within the district. The position requires extensive legal experience and judicial expertise.

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Additional District and Sessions Judge

Overview

The Additional District and Sessions Judge assists the District and Sessions Judge in adjudicating civil and criminal cases at the district level. Appointed by the Governor in consultation with the High Court, this role handles a similar caseload to the District Judge but with additional support duties. It requires significant legal experience and judicial expertise, often filled by promoted subordinate court judges or experienced advocates.

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Civil Judge (Senior Division)

Overview

The Civil Judge (Senior Division) adjudicates civil cases of higher value or complexity at the district level, such as property disputes, contract breaches, or family matters. Appointed through state judicial service exams or promotion from Civil Judge (Junior Division), this role requires legal expertise and experience in civil law, operating under the supervision of the District Judge.

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Admission Process (After 12th)

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Civil Judge (Junior Division)

Overview

The Civil Judge (Junior Division) is an entry-level judicial position at the district level, handling smaller civil cases such as minor property disputes, rent issues, or family matters. Appointed through state judicial service exams, this role requires basic legal knowledge and serves as a stepping stone to higher judicial positions like Civil Judge (Senior Division).

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Chief Judicial Magistrate

Overview

The Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) is the senior-most judicial officer for criminal matters at the district level, overseeing subordinate magistrates and handling criminal cases of moderate severity (e.g., theft, assault). Appointed through state judicial service exams or promotion from Judicial Magistrate First Class, the CJM supervises criminal justice administration and ensures compliance with the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).

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Judicial Magistrate First Class

Overview

The Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) is an entry-level judicial position for criminal cases at the district level, handling less severe offences like theft, cheating, or minor assaults. Appointed through state judicial service exams, JMFCs conduct trials and inquiries under the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) and report to the Chief Judicial Magistrate.

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Judicial Magistrate Second Class

Overview

The Judicial Magistrate Second Class handles the least severe criminal cases at the district level, such as petty theft or minor public disturbances. Appointed through state judicial service exams, this is an entry-level judicial role requiring basic legal knowledge and adherence to the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), reporting to the Chief Judicial Magistrate.

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Court Managers

Overview

Court Managers are administrative professionals in District Courts, responsible for streamlining court operations, managing case flow, and implementing technology-driven solutions. Introduced in some states (e.g., under Bombay High Court), this role requires management or legal expertise to enhance judicial efficiency under the supervision of the District Judge.

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Clerks and Stenographers

Overview

Clerks and Stenographers in District Courts handle clerical and secretarial tasks, such as record-keeping, data entry, and transcribing court proceedings. Clerks manage case files and administrative tasks, while stenographers record court hearings and prepare transcripts. These entry-level roles require basic education and skills in office management or stenography.

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Bailiffs

Overview

Bailiffs in District Courts are responsible for executing court orders, such as serving summons, notices, or warrants, and handling tasks like property attachment or eviction. They maintain courtroom order and assist judicial officers, requiring basic education and physical fitness to perform their duties effectively.

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Admission Process (After 12th)

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