Case Note & Summary
The case involved an appeal regarding the selection process for ten posts of District & Session Judges (Grade II) in the Andhra Pradesh State Higher Judicial Service. The selection was governed by the Andhra Pradesh State Higher Judicial Service Rules, 1958, which did not prescribe a selection procedure but required that one-third of the posts be filled by direct recruitment. An advertisement was issued on 28.5.2004, inviting applications, and a written examination was conducted on 30.1.2005, followed by interviews in March 2006. The Administrative Committee initially approved a selection list based on written and interview marks but later, the Full Court mandated a new committee to prepare a fresh list, introducing minimum qualifying marks for interviews, which was not part of the original selection criteria. The appellant, K. Manjusree, challenged this change, arguing it was arbitrary and violated principles of natural justice. The court analyzed the resolutions and found that the introduction of minimum marks for interviews after the selection process was completed constituted a change in the rules of the game, which was impermissible. The court emphasized that the selection process must follow the criteria established before its commencement, which did not include minimum marks for interviews. Ultimately, the court held that the Full Court's actions were invalid and upheld the original selection process without the imposition of minimum interview marks.
Headnote
A) Administrative Law - Selection Procedure - Validity of Minimum Marks - Andhra Pradesh State Higher Judicial Service Rules, 1958 - The Full Court's introduction of minimum qualifying marks for interviews after the selection process was completed was impermissible as it altered the rules post-selection. The court held that the selection process must adhere to the criteria established prior to its commencement, which did not include minimum marks for interviews (Paras 24-30).
Issue of Consideration
Whether the introduction of minimum qualifying marks for interviews after the selection process was completed was legal and valid.
Final Decision
The Supreme Court held that the introduction of minimum qualifying marks for interviews after the selection process was completed was impermissible, thereby upholding the original selection process without such minimum marks.
Law Points
- Selection procedure
- minimum qualifying marks
- administrative committee authority
- judicial appointments
- natural justice
