The full form of ADJ is Additional District Judge, who occupies an important position in the hierarchical structure of district courts in India. As a high rank in the structure of the district court, ADJs assist the District Judge to deal with the judicial burden at the district level. Authorized to preside over civil as well as criminal cases, pass judgments of moment, and thereby contribute to the effective administration of justice at the district level, ADJs are assigned the responsibility of a senior rank in the judicial structure of the district court.
ADJ Full Form – Additional District Judge
The full form of ADJ is Additional District Judge. An ADJ serves as a judicial officer in the Indian judiciary system, handling cases in district courts that require a higher level of legal authority than subordinate courts.
Additional District Judges are appointed to manage the workload of cases, often dealing with civil and criminal matters that exceed the jurisdiction of lower courts.
They assist the District Judge by taking on some of the cases to ensure the efficient functioning of the court system.
Their role is crucial in maintaining the judicial process's speed and fairness, providing timely judgments and reducing the backlog of cases.
ADJs often hear appeals from decisions made by lower courts and have the authority to impose penalties or orders as per the legal framework.
Their position is a step below that of a District Judge, but they hold significant responsibilities in the legal hierarchy.
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What are the Roles & Responsibilities of ADJ?
The functions of an Additional District Judge must revolve around making the process of justice at the district level functional and efficient. The Additional District Judge presides over significant civil and criminal cases. An Additional District Judge performs these functions –
To hear Civil and Criminal Cases: ADJs may transfer cases relating to both civil and criminal jurisprudence. Here, most cases generally come in higher importance and complexity, nearly entirely.
Appeal and Revision: They entertain appeals from the lower courts, whether it is by subordinate judges or magistrates, so that there is a fair review of decisions.
Case Management: ADJs facilitate a reduction of pendency through effective and time-bound disposal of cases heard, a step towards flushing out pending cases.
Decision Making: They are expected to make independent and justifiable judgments based on the evidence as placed before the court.
Court Discipline: ADJs play an important role in maintaining the discipline and decorum of the court during the proceedings.
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What is the Eligibility Criteria to Become an ADJ?
Selection Process for Additional District Judge (ADJ) Basically comprises a selection procedure in various stages to evaluate the knowledge of the law, analytical creativity, and overall suitability of a candidate for the said role. It is given in the various stages of preliminary examinations/mains and interviews to ensure that only capable people will come up to hold this valuable and meaningful position. To become an Additional District Judge (ADJ), the following qualifications have to be fulfilled:
Educational Qualification: He or she should hold a Bachelor's degree in Law (LLB) from a recognized university or institution.
Practice Experience: Seven years as an advocate or legal practitioner.
Examination: The candidate has to clear the higher judicial service examination conducted by the State Public Service Commissions or High Courts, as the case may be.
Upper Age Limit: The age limit for the HJS examination differs for different states ranging between 35 and 45 years old.
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How Additional District Judge (ADJ) are Appointed?
The career of an Additional District Judge (ADJ) is normally one that is meant to develop, provided he/she is in line with the legal profession. The path towards career growth is conventionally along the linear lines of the service: the most-prized posts to which promotions are made have usually been made or reserved for them on experience, performance ratings, and quality of legal service. The appointment process for the position of ADJ is as follows:
Pre-Examination: It is a multiple-choice test to screen the eligible candidates for the main examination.
Main Examination: It is subjective wherein the legal knowledge, comprehension, and reasoning abilities of the candidate are tested.
Interview/Viva Voce: The candidates clear in the main are interviewed to determine the appropriateness of the candidate for the position.
Merit List: Finally, the candidate is selected on merit basis from the mains examination and interview.
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What Is the Additional District Judge (ADJ) Salary?
The salary of an Additional District Judge is not the same in all states and differs from time to time as well. However, this is more or less a general idea of the kind of salary and allowances one can look forward to for an ADJ.
Basic Pay: The pay scale most ADJs draw ranges between ₹51,550 and ₹63,070 a month.
Grade Pay: In addition to the basic pay, ADJs are entitled to grade pay as their peers. This usually forms a bundle with seniority in the judicial ecosystem .
Allowances: ADJs are entitled to different allowances, which would probably include:
Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Travel Allowance (TA) & Medical Allowance
Total Salary: With all the allowances taken into consideration, the gross salary of an ADJ every month would range from ₹1,00,000 to ₹1,50,000, based on the years of experience and the state government policy.
Perks and Privileges: Some of the perks and privileges that Additional District Judges enjoy include official cars, stay provided, medical facilities, and many others, depending on the state and court in question.
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Powers and Jurisdiction of an ADJ
The Additional District Judge will have substantial powers both in regard to judicial and administrative affairs. The scope of their jurisdiction ranges from hearing appeals to giving important judicial interpretations that can become precedents. An Additional District Judge is heralded for his position in the district judiciary set-up. Here's a detailed overview of their powers and jurisdiction:
1. Judicial Powers
Civil Cases: ADJs can try by jury civil cases of high monetary value and vital controversy.
Criminal Cases: Grave Criminal Cases and sessions trials, appeals and revisions arising out of offenses under the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
Appellate Jurisdiction: The ADJs have the appellate jurisdiction of hearing appeals against the judgments and orders given by the subordinate courts of Subordinate Judges or Magistrates.
Revision Powers: They can review and revise the records of the subordinate courts where ever there are judicial errors or misapplications of law.
2. Administrative Power
Court Administration: ADJs facilitate the working of district courts efficiently by managing the disposal of pending cases according to schedule.
Supervisory Role: Though the District Judge is the principal authority, the ADJs have supervisory roles so that the judicial process is fair, efficient and free of undue delays.
Judgment: They have the responsibility to render judgments that might forge precedents in the districts, developing jurisprudence on that plane.
3. Discretionary Powers
Bail and Sentencing: ADJs are granted with an option to grant bail in criminal matters besides determining the degree of the sentences according to their nature.
Interim Orders: They can pass interim orders such as injunction, stays, or other relief measures aimed at preventing injustice before, during, or even after the trial.
4. Appellate Authority
Civil Appeals: The ADJs hear appeals against judgments pronounced by civil courts.
Criminal Appeals: They can entertain appeals in criminal cases, more specifically in cases involving offenses which are not bailable or those which mandate more severe punishments.
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Additional District Judge (ADJ) vs District Judge (DJ)
The positions of Additional District Judge and a District Judge are distinctive and their work interrelated within the higher levels of the judiciary. In this context, understanding how these judicial offices differ from each other is very important for gaining a grasp of what precise contribution exactly each enables to the overall legal system.
1. Position in Hierarchy
The Additional District Judge (ADJ) holds a position below the District Judge and primarily assists in managing cases, while the District Judge (DJ) is the highest judicial authority within a district court.
2. Role and Jurisdiction
The ADJ handles cases referred by the District Judge and presides over specific matters assigned to them. In contrast, the District Judge has original jurisdiction over serious civil and criminal cases, often dealing with complex legal matters.
3. Promotional Path
An ADJ can be promoted to the position of District Judge based on their performance. A District Judge, however, can be elevated to the High Court as a judge, marking further progression in the judicial hierarchy.
4. Appointment
ADJs are appointed through the Higher Judicial Services Examination, whereas District Judges are appointed either through promotion from ADJ positions or through direct recruitment.
5. Administrative Powers
The administrative powers of an ADJ are limited compared to those of the District Judge. The DJ, as the head of the district judiciary, holds significant administrative and judicial authority.
6. Decision-Making Authority
Decisions made by the ADJ are usually subject to the review of the District Judge. However, the DJ has the final authority within the district, and their judgments are binding.
7. Nature of Cases
The ADJ primarily deals with appeals, revisions, and cases allocated by the District Judge. On the other hand, the District Judge handles major civil and criminal cases directly, often involving complex legal questions.
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Conclusion
The role of an Additional District Judge, or ADJ, is very crucial for the attainment of efficient judicial function at the district level. An ADJ assists the District Judge in the discharge of his duties, and they deal with a vast array of important cases. This relieves the judges and the court of much workload. It has now become inevitable to teach future judicial officers about the differences between an Additional District Judge and a District Judge.
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ADJ Full Form FAQs
Q1. What is an Additional District Judge (ADJ)?
An Additional District Judge (ADJ) assists the District Judge in civil and criminal matters. They preside over appeals, revisions, and trials of significant value to ensure that district justice is served with fairness in time.
Q2. What are the qualifications required to become an ADJ?
Qualifications for the post of ADJ: To be eligible for the post of an ADJ, the candidate should possess a degree in law with at least seven years of experience as a practicing advocate. One has to pass the Higher Judicial Services examination as well.
Q3. Can an ADJ be promoted as a District Judge?
Yes, an ADJ can be promoted as a District Judge, considering the experience and performance of that ADJ are up to the mark and do merit the promotion, with respect to their dossier and judicial standards.
Q4. What powers does an Additional District Judge hold?
An ADJ can deal with civil and criminal matters, exercise the powers to hear appeals from subordinate courts, pass interim orders, grant bail, and dispose of intricate legal questions by judgment. On any administrative matter about working in the district court, an ADJ also shares with the Chief District Judge.
Q5. Does the role of an ADJ transfer across states of India?
Generally, the role of an ADJ is not transferable across states. All judicial positions are state-specific. However, transfers may take place within the jurisdictions of the same state's judiciary.
