RAJPAL SINGH Vs. HONBLE DELHI HIGH COURT

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioner herein is a practising Advocate aspiring for Delhi Higher Judicial Services and belongs to Scheduled Caste category. The Hon'ble Delhi High Court has issued an advertisement on 19th May, 2007 inviting application for the eligible candidates to participate in Delhi High Judicial Services Examination (hereinafter referred to as DHJS examination). This advertisement also mentions that the candidate should be between the age limit of 35 years to 45 years as on 1st January, 2007. Last date for submitting application was 18th June, 2007 and the written examination was scheduled for 22nd July, 2007.

(2.) According to the petitioner he fulfills all eligibility conditions except the condition pertaining to age limit. He has crossed the age limit of 45 years and because of this reason his application, which he submitted on 15th June, 2007 is not being entertained by the High Court. In these circumstances, he has preferred the present Writ Petition seeking mandamus to allow him to appear in the said examination on the ground that he being a Scheduled Caste candidate is entitled to the relaxation in the upper age limit of 45 years as prescribed. Therefore, the question which falls for consideration is whether petitioner, because of the reason that he belongs to Scheduled Castes category, is entitled to such age relaxation.

(3.) The service in question is governed by Delhi Higher Judicial Service Rules, 1970. Rules inter alia provides for Method of Recruitment under part III thereof. Rule 9 falling under part III of the said rules deals with Qualifications for Direct Recruitment and reads as under:-