Difference Between Civil Judge and District Judge: Similarities And Differences

Reader’s Digest: Are you confusing both Civil Judge and District Judge as having the same role in the legislation? They might seem similar, but they have some underlying differences. If you don't know what they are, read the blog for the differences!  

The role of a judge is crucial in India's legal system. These roles are of both high prestige and responsibility. The judiciary is the government's discipline responsible for interpreting the law, resolving conflicts, and providing equal treatment to all its citizens.

The judicial branch is seen as the sentinel of democracy and the keeper of the laws of the land. A Civil Judge is a type of judge. He oversees both cases: district judges' appeals and other Special Acts. These cases contain both civil and criminal matters. However, they are less serious.  

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 Differences between Civil Judge and District Judge [Overview]

The pinnacle of the Subordinate judicial hierarchy is the District Judge. He deals with civil and criminal cases and appeals from civil judges (senior division), plenary cases, JM appeals in criminal matters, and other unusual cases under Special Acts.

When handling civil cases, he will be referred to as a District Judge; when handling criminal cases, he will be referred to as a Sessions Judge. 

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Why is it important for law aspirants to understand the difference between a Civil Judge and a District Judge?  

• Both Civil judges and District judges exercise different powers in certain situations.  
• The educational qualifications for both roles differ.  
• Also, they have different qualifications and experience requirements. 
• The responsibilities of both the Civil Judge and the District Judge are to protect the public interest, but their areas of jurisdiction and the cases they hear vary widely.  

What is A Civil Judge?

The domain of Civil Judge has two segments: Junior and Senior Civil Judge. In both positions, the judges are responsible for passing judgments in both civil and criminal cases brought to them in the session courts.  

The Civil Judge is responsible for supervising district judges' cases and other Special Procedures. These instances involve both civil and criminal issues. Munsif, however, remands these matters for further proceedings. As a result, the jurisdiction is limited to the local level or, in some cases, the District level (For Senior Civil Judges).  

So, what educational qualification do you require to join the position of a Civil Judge?  

• For the Junior Division Civil Judge, you need to have an LLB.
• Additionally, you must clear the 3-step qualifying examination before getting selected for the Civil Judge role.
• Moreover, if you are going for the senior civil judge position, the experience of 7 years is also mandatory.  

Divorce, eviction, consumer difficulties, debt, or bankruptcy are all examples of civil litigation. Judges in civil and criminal courts have various responsibilities. 

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What is a District Judge? 

A District Judge is an arbitrator of a primary Civil Court with original jurisdiction. However, a High Court should not be included in the task on the basis of its ordinary or exceptional original civil jurisdiction. 

In criminal and civil lawsuits occurring in the county, the district judge or an additional district tribunal has original and appellate authority. The jurisdictional and fiscal authority in civil disputes is often established in relevant state civil court enactments. 

Like a Civil Judge, the District Judge must also fulfil some prerequisites before being appointed as a District Judge.

Those requirements are as follows:

• The aspirants must be Indian citizens.
• An LLB/LLM degree is required.
• He/she must have served as a judge in India for ten years or as a lawyer in the high court for ten years.  

Additionally, the Union or state legislatures cannot simultaneously engage the aspirant. In addition, the Supreme Court should recommend him for the position. 

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Difference Between Civil Judge and District Judge

Components	Civil Judge	District Judge
Jurisdiction	The jurisdictional and fiscal authority in civil disputes is often established in relevant state civil court enactments. They handle cases arising in a district.	The District Judge has unlimited valuation jurisdiction on the originating Side.
Responsibility and decision making	Civil Judges (Junior Division) rule on civil cases with minor monetary stakes. Judicial Magistrates adjudicate on criminal charges punishable by a maximum of 3 years' imprisonment.	The District Judge has disciplinary powers and hears appeals from judgments and decrees issued by the Civil Judge (Sr. Div.), Civil Judge (Jr.
Education/Experience prerequisite	You need an LLB degree. For the Junior Division, you need no Particular experience, but for the Senior Division, you should have at least 7 years of experience as an active lawyer.	And LLB/LLM is mandatory. You must also have 10 years of experience as a Civil Judge or a lawyer in the High Court.
Compensation and benefits	The Salary package is around INR 27,700-770 and INR 33,090-920, as well as between INR 40,450-1080 and INR 44,770/	The salary range between Rs. 6,18,000 /- to Rs. 7,56,840

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Similarities Between Civil Judges and District Judges 

Components	Civil Judge	District Judge
Judicial roles	Civil and District judges are part of the Judicial Apex and are responsible for protecting the rights of Civilians and upholding law and order within their jurisdiction.
Legal understanding/fundamental Knowledge of Law and Jurisprudence	Whether you get chosen to serve as a Civil Judge or a District Judge, the expected trait from both would be an extensive knowledge of law and order and its correct implementation. No lagging behind can be accepted for this position.
Roles in the Legal Hierarchy	Civil and District judges play a pivotal role in the Judicial hierarchy because they are equally responsible for upholding justice, law, and order like other judicial units in India.

Conclusion

Now that we have reached the end. We hope you understand the major difference between a Civil Judge and a District Judge. That is, the Civil Judge handles cases at the lowest court, while the District Judge handles cases referred by the Civil Judge. 

 However, both are crucial aspects of the Indian Judicial system and play a  critical role in serving/protecting the public interest. Also, you need to understand these points, as you should have a clear understanding before you proceed with a career as a Civil Judge and plan to advance to the position of District Judge accordingly.