Justice MM Sundresh of the Supreme Court today drew comparison between the work done by a lawyer and a judge. The court will also decide whether the eligibility for appointment as a District Judge is to be assessed at the time of appointment, at the time of application, or at both stages. The petitioners argue that the prior Bar experience should not be disregarded simply because the candidate later joined the judicial service. The decision to refer the matter to a Constitution Bench means that the Supreme Court will revisit the scope and meaning of Article 233(2). This provision governs the appointment of District Judges and seeks to balance opportunities between members of the Bar and those in the judicial service.