Selection Process Vitiated by Rule Relaxation and Irregularities: Madras High Court Sets Aside Appointments of P.A. to Hon'ble Judges, Orders Fresh Selection

1. Case Snapshot

Case Name: Suo-Motu vs The Registrar General & Ors

Citation: WP No. 5497 of 2024

High Court: High Court of Judicature at Madras

Bench: Hon'ble Mr. Justice S.M. Subramaniam and Hon'ble Mr. Justice N. Senthilkumar

Date of Judgment: 1st July, 2026

Area of Law: Service Law, Constitutional Law, Recruitment Rules, Judicial Service, Public Employment

2. Judgment in Brief

The Madras High Court, acting suo-motu, set aside the selection and appointment of 17 candidates to the post of Personal Assistant to Hon'ble Judges. The Court found that the selection process was vitiated by multiple irregularities: the circular invited applications relaxing the mandatory qualification of Shorthand and Typewriting in English Higher Grade; over-aged and underqualified candidates were permitted to participate; candidates who secured zero marks in transcription were selected; and serious procedural irregularities, including an Assistant Registrar allegedly helping candidates during the skill test, were reported. The Court held that the circular contravened Rule 14A of the Madras High Court Service Rules, 2015, and violated Article 14 of the Constitution. The Court directed the High Court Registry to conduct a fresh selection process in accordance with the Rules and procedures contemplated.

3. Relevant Facts

The Circular and Rule 14A

• On 07.06.2023, a circular was issued inviting applications for selection to the post of P.A. to Hon'ble Judges from staff members in various cadres.

• Rule 14A of the Madras High Court Service Rules, 2015, prescribed the qualification: "Must have passed the Government Technical Examination in Shorthand and Typewriting in English Higher Grade."

• However, the circular permitted candidates with lesser qualifications (Junior/Intermediate Grade) to apply, subject to acquiring the requisite qualification within two years from the date of appointment.

Irregularities in the Selection Process

• Over-aged candidates and underqualified candidates were permitted to participate.

• The Office Memorandum revealed that candidates were selected subject to conditions:
  Passing the skill test after one year of appointment.
  Passing Senior Grade Shorthand (English) within two years.
  Acquiring Certificate Course in Computer on Office Automation within two years.

• Serious irregularities were reported during the skill test:
  An Assistant Registrar allegedly interacted with candidates and may have helped them during transcription.
  CCTV footage was forwarded to the Registrar (Recruitment) fo

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