Judicial Officers Who Joined Before May 20 Not Bound By 3-Year Practice Mandate To Apply For Services In Other States: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court clarified that judicial officers who joined service before May 20 are not bound by the 3-year practice requirement to apply for deputation or service in other states. The ruling ensures that earlier-joined officers retain their eligibility to apply, preventing procedural discrimination against pre-existing officers. The judgment highlights principles of fairness, equal treatment, and non-retrospective application of new rules within judicial services.