SC Bench Split Over Prescribing Of Minimum Marks In District Judge’s Selection [Read Judgment]

Yet again, divergent views emanated from the Supreme Court Bench comprising Justice Shiva Kirti Singh and Justice R. Banumathi in the matter of challenge against prescribing minimum marks for viva voce conducted by the High Court of Manipur for an appointment to the post of district judge.Salam Samarjeet Singh, an aspirant for the district judge post, was declared unsuccessful. Yet again, divergent views emanated from the Supreme Court Bench comprising Justice Shiva Kirti Singh and Justice R. Banumathi in the matter of challenge against prescribing minimum marks for viva voce conducted by the High Court of Manipur for an appointment to the post of district judge. Salam Samarjeet Singh, an aspirant for the district judge post, was declared unsuccessful in viva voce conducted by the high court, for failing to get 40% marks. It was also held that keeping in view the Rules and having regard to the seniority of the post which is district judge, the high court cannot be faulted with for exercising its residuary right reserved in its favour by prescribing cut-off marks for the interview.