ADDITIONAL DISTRICT AND SESSION JUDGES
Becoming an additional district and session judge in Pakistan is a prestigious and competitive process that requires a combination of education, experience, and passing a rigorous examination. Here are the general steps to become an additional district and session judge in Pakistan:
Educational Qualifications:
- You must have a minimum bachelor’s degree in law (LLB) from a recognized university. Many candidates pursue a master’s degree in law (LLM) for added qualifications.
Legal Practice:
- After completing your LLB, you must enroll as an advocate with a local Bar Council in Pakistan.
- You will need to gain practical legal experience by working as a lawyer for a certain number of years, typically at least seven years of continuous practice in the case of the Lahore High Court.
- Practice as an advocate shall be counted from when the advocate became a registered member of any Bar Association under Rule 7.10 read with 7.12 of The Punjab Legal Practitioners and Bar Council Rules, 1974.
Age:
- Not less than 35 years and not more than 45 years.
QUOTA:
(1) Three percent (3%) quota reserved therein for disabled persons as envisaged by the Displaced Persons (Employment and Rehabilitation) Ordinance, 1981, as amended by Section 2 of the Punjab Disabled Persons (Employment and Rehabilitation) (Amendment) Act, 2015.
(2) Five percent (5%) reserved for minorities in the light of Government of the Punjab Notification No.SOR-III(S&GAD)1-35/93, dated 27.03.2010.
Judicial Examination:
- To become an additional district and session judge, you must pass a competitive examination conducted by the relevant provincial Public Service Commission (PPSC). In Punjab, for example, the examination is conducted by the Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC).
- The examination typically consists of written tests and interviews. It assesses your knowledge of law, jurisprudence, and various legal subjects.
Interview and Viva Voce:
- If you pass the written examination, you will be called for an interview or viva voce, where your suitability for the position will be assessed.
Appointment:
- If you perform well in the interview and meet all the eligibility criteria, you may be recommended for appointment as an additional district and session judge.
- After receiving the appointment, you must take an oath and assume your duties as a judge.
Judicial Training:
- After the appointment, you will likely undergo training programs provided by the judicial academy of your respective province. These programs are designed to prepare you for your judicial role.
Career Advancement:
- As a district and session judge, you can continue to advance your career within the judiciary through promotions and seniority-based appointments.
It’s important to note that the specific requirements and processes may vary from province to province in Pakistan, so it’s essential to check with the relevant provincial Public Service Commission for the most up-to-date information and requirements.
Additionally, becoming a judge in Pakistan is highly competitive, and only a limited number of positions are available. Therefore, preparing thoroughly for the examination and interview process and gaining practical legal experience is essential to increase your chances of success.
Syllabus
The Lahore High Court, Lahore, has revised this Syllabus for Additional Sessions Judge Examination on 04th January 2022.
The written examination shall consist of eight papers. A candidate shall answer all papers in English except Paper VII. The time allowed for each paper shall be 3 hours. The subjects and maximum marks allocated to each paper shall be as under:-
Paper 1: Criminal Law-I (Marks: 100)
Criminal Law paper one contains the following books:
The Pakistan Penal Code 1860
Cyber Crimes:
The prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016
The Electronic Transactions Ordinance, 2002
The Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2010
The Anti-Money Laundering Rules/regulations, 2008/2015
Illegal Dispossession Act, 2005
The Control of Narcotics Substances Act, 1997
The Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997
Paper 2: Criminal Law-II (Marks: 100)
Criminal Law paper two contains the following books:
The Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898
The Juvenile Justice System Act, 2018
Medical Jurisprudence
The Police Order, 2002
The Police rules, 1934 (Chapters, XXII, XXIV to XXVI)
Paper 3: Civil Law-I (Marks: 100)
Civil Law paper one contains the following books:
Contract Act 1872
Guardian and Ward Act, 1890
Limitation Act 1908
Muslim Family Laws (Pakistan)
Punjab Pre-Emption Act 1991
Punjab Rented Premise Act 2009
The Specific Relief Act, 1877
The Defamation Ordinance, 2002
Paper 4: Civil Law-II (Marks: 100)
Civil Law paper two contains the following books:
The Code of Civil Procedure, 1908
The Court Fee Act 1870
The Qanun-e-Shahadat Order, 1984
The Registration Act 1908
The Punjab Land Revenue Act 1967
The West Pakistan Land Revenue Rules, 1968
Paper 5: Constitution and High Court Rules & Order (Marks: 100)
Question about Constitution of Pakistan 1973 and the Rules of High Court will be given in paper 5 and the following books are for this purpose:
The Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan 1973
Rules and Orders of the Lahore High Court, Lahore Volumes I, II, III, & IV
The Punjab Civil Courts Ordinance 1962
Paper 6: English (Marks: 100)
The sixth paper will be on English Language and comprehension. In this paper, English literature, grammar, correct use of sentences, etc will be given, and the following are particular of this paper:
English composition with translation and grammar
Precis and Comprehension
English Essay
Paper 7: Urdu (Marks: 100)
The sixth paper will be on Urdu Language and comprehension. In this paper, Urdu literature, grammar, correct use of sentences, etc will be given, and the following are particular of this paper:
Usage of English Legal terms in Urdu
Urdu composition and grammar
Comprehension
Urdu Essay
Paper 8: General Knowledge (Marks: 100)
The seventh paper is about General Knowledge. This paper is designed to test the ability of the candidate to that how much he is capable G.K, Pakistan Study, etc. the following topics will be given in this paper:
Every Day Science
General Knowledge
Pakistan Affairs
Islamiat / Ethics for Non-Muslims
Viva Voce (Marks: 300)
The Final Interview or Viva-voce will be conducted for those candidates who will get success in the written part of this examination. The Viva Voce will comprise of different things such as Psychology test, Interview before a penal of 5 to 7 people. In this, the mental ability and the work confidence also how you will handle the pressure during this job will be tested. Viva is of 300 Marks and you have to get 50% marks to get success.