The Supreme Court of India upheld the minimum marks requirement in interviews for the Bihar Judicial Services Examination. The judgment was delivered in the case of Abhimeet Sinha and others versus the High Court of Judicature at Patna and others. The court bench consisting of Justice Hrishikesh Roy and Prashant Kumar Mishra concluded that the policy does not violate the right to equality as enshrined in Article 14 of the Indian Constitution.
NEW DELHI: Today (6th May): The Supreme Court of India upheld the minimum marks requirement in interviews for the Bihar Judicial Services Examination. The bench, led by Justice Hrishikesh Roy and Prashant Kumar Mishra, concluded that the policy does not violate the right to equality as enshrined in Article 14 of the Indian Constitution.
Background:
The Supreme Court’s ruling was in response to a plea filed by 46 unsuccessful candidates who had participated in the District Judges examination held in Bihar in 2015. The applicants argued that out of the 99 vacancies available, only 9 candidates were declared successful and selected.
They further highlighted that despite performing well in the written examination, 60 candidates who had been shortlisted for the interview were given low marks. Consequently, the plea sought the relaxation of the minimum marks requirement for the interview and requested the Patna High Court to consider appointing them.
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After careful consideration of the arguments presented, the Supreme Court bench concluded that the minimum mark requirement in interviews for the Bihar Judicial Services Examination is not in violation of Article 14 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the right to equality.
The court emphasized that interviews play a crucial role in identifying competent judicial candidates and ensuring the overall quality of the judiciary. The judges further noted that policies such as moderation of marks should ideally be incorporated into the examination rules to maintain fairness and transparency.
“The purpose of interviews is to identify superior judicial candidates and does not infringe upon Article 14; policies such as moderation of marks should ideally be incorporated into the rules,” stated the Court.
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The plea additionally requested the invalidation of a provision within the Bihar Superior Judicial (Amendment) Rules 2013, contending that it contradicted the recommendation made by the Justice KJ Shetty Commission.
The Supreme Court’s ruling reinforces the significance of the minimum marks requirement in interviews for the Bihar Judicial Services Examination. By upholding this policy, the court aims to uphold the integrity of the recruitment process and select the most qualified candidates for judicial positions.
Case Title: Abhimeet Sinha and Ors. v High Court of Judicature at Patna and Ors.
