The Haryana Cabinet, which met under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini here today, approved amendments to the Haryana Superior Judicial Service Rules, 2007, in compliance with directions issued by the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India in various judgments concerning judicial service reforms.
The amendments have been carried out following directions in the landmark case All India Judges Association and others vs Union of India and others, along with other related judgments, with the objective of strengthening the structure, transparency and efficiency of recruitment and service conditions in the higher judicial cadre.
As per the approved amendments, significant changes have been made in the method of recruitment to the Haryana Superior Judicial Service. The existing quota for promotion through merit-cum-seniority has been revised from 65 percent to 50 percent.
The share of recruitment through Limited Competitive Examination (LCE) has been increased from 10 percent to 25 percent, thereby enhancing opportunities for meritorious judicial officers. The remaining 25 percent posts will continue to be filled through direct recruitment; however, eligibility has been expanded to include not only advocates from the Bar but also eligible candidates from the Subordinate Judicial Service.
The Cabinet has also approved changes in eligibility criteria and service conditions. Provisions relating to experience, age, and qualifying service for candidates appearing through different recruitment channels have been rationalised.
Further, amendments have been made in rules governing seniority and roster management. Clear provisions have been introduced to determine seniority in cases where recruitment processes extend across different years, ensuring fairness and consistency.
The existing roster has also been revised to streamline inter se seniority and maintain a balanced distribution among different sources of recruitment.