Overview
- The Second Division Bench led by Justice S. M. Subramaniam set aside the 17 appointments on July 1, 2026 after a suo motu review that began in 2024 concluded the selection was arbitrary.
- Rule 14A of the Madras High Court Service Rules requires a Higher Grade Government Technical Examination in shorthand and typewriting in English for PAs, a condition the June 7, 2023 registry circular allowed to be relaxed.
- The circular admitted candidates with only junior or intermediate grades on an undertaking to obtain the higher grade later, a practice the court said contradicted the rule and Article 14 equality guarantees.
- The bench recorded specific irregularities including over‑aged or under‑qualified participants and appointments of candidates who scored zero in the transcription test, and it refused requests to let the appointees continue except for one typist who had reverted posts.
- The Supreme Court declined urgent listing of a challenge on July 2, 2026 so the High Court order remains operative for now and the Registry has been directed to hold a fresh recruitment, a move that will affect court staffing and could prompt further litigation.