The Indian Legal Services and the Judicial Services have come under the Law Ministry's scanner. Judges may soon be selected through an All-India exam similar to the Civil Services exams, if a proposal currently being drafted by the Ministry is passed.

Acting on the advice of a Parliamentary Committee constituted to suggest reform in the selection process, the Ministry has now sought the view of the States and the High Courts on the matter. "It will naturally improve the deteriorating quality of language used in judgements delivered these days by the Courts, excluding the apex court," said a Ministry official.

The Committee, chaired by Senior Counsel and member of the Indian National Congress, EM Sudarsana Natchiappan, recommended initially setting up state judicial services, which would later develop into a National Judicial Service. This would cover appointment for all National and Regional Tribunals, Chairpersons and Members across various disciplines.

In conjunction, the Ministry is preparing a cabinet note to bring the Indian Legal Service (ILS) on par with the Civil Services. A Ministry official told media persons that the Ministry is considering setting up a training institute, and may approach the Indian Law Institute with a proposal to structure a 2-year training programme.

Officers of the legal services could also, at Government expense, go to Ivy League institutions for higher education. The Government is confident that their 'Grade-A' salaries will match the offers made by corporate firms. They are also capitalizing on the 'biggest litigant' tag. "Being the biggest litigant, the experience will range from cases related to economy to social sector and even political matters," said the official.