New Delhi, Sept 26: In a relief-laced verdict, the Supreme Court on Thursday directed the Telangana High Court to declare results and issue appointment letters to several aspiring District Judges whose candidatures were earlier rejected under new state rules. The bench, led by Justice Dipankar Datta, stressed that the decision was “a special case” and not a precedent.
Background
The dispute began when the Telangana government notified fresh Judicial Service Rules in June 2023. These rules demanded that applicants for District Judge posts must have at least seven years’ practice before the Telangana High Court or its subordinate courts. Many advocates, including Usha Kiran Kshatri and others, had applied under the earlier 2017 rules and cleared the written exams. But their forms were rejected because they were not practicing in Telangana specifically, even though they held the required experience elsewhere.
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Frustrated, the group moved the High Court, which allowed them to sit for the written test on an interim basis but finally dismissed their petitions in December 2023. The High Court said the 2023 rules were valid and applied retrospectively.
Court’s Observations
Hearing the combined appeals and connected writ petitions, the Supreme Court noted the peculiar timeline. Candidates had applied before the new rules were enforced yet were judged by those stricter standards. During arguments, the bench explored a middle ground.
Justice Datta remarked, “We suggested a practical alternative-consider these candidates without unsettling the 2023 Rules-if the High Court agrees.” After internal discussions, the High Court conveyed it had “no objection” to appointing those who qualified, provided this was treated as an exceptional measure.
The Court appreciated this cooperative stance, acknowledging that both sides had cited several earlier judgments but finding a negotiated path more appropriate here.
Decision
Accepting the Telangana High Court’s concession, the Supreme Court directed it to declare the results and verify the credentials of all qualified appellants and intervenors. Those found suitable must receive appointment letters within two months.
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The order makes it clear that these new appointees will not claim back pay and will rank junior to already appointed judges. Importantly, the bench added, “This order is strictly confined to the facts and circumstances of these appeals and petitions and may not be treated as a precedent for future cases.”
With that, the civil appeals, special leave petitions, and connected writ petition were disposed of. Each side will bear its own costs.
Case: Usha Kiran Kshatri & Others vs. State of Telangana & Others
Decision Date: 26 September 2025