Case Synopsis

Case: Abhay Kumar Patel & Ors. vs State of Bihar & Ors. (2026 INSC 24)

Synopsis : The Supreme Court has authoritatively restated that the fundamental rules governing a public employment selection process, particularly the criteria for determining merit, are irrevocably fixed upon the issuance of the recruitment advertisement. Any subsequent amendment to these rules, which seeks to alter the basis of selection, cannot be applied retrospectively to an ongoing recruitment cycle where the crucial stages of the process have already been concluded.

1. Heading of the Judgment

Case Title: Abhay Kumar Patel & Ors. vs State of Bihar & Ors.
Citation: 2026 INSC 24
Court: Supreme Court of India
Bench: Justice J.K. Maheshwari and Justice Vijay Bishnoi
Date: January 6, 2026

2. Relevant Laws and Sections

The judgment primarily engages with the following legal provisions and principles:

• Article 309 of the Constitution of India: Empowers the State to make rules regulating the recruitment and conditions of service of persons appointed to public services.

• Articles 14 &am

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