In Brief
This petition by Andhra Pradesh State Judicial Service members sought recognition of their ad-hoc Fast Track Court Judge service for seniority and High Court elevation. The Court held that such ad-hoc service, even when later regularized, does not confer seniority rights or count toward the 10-year regular judicial service requirement under Article 217(2)(a). The Court followed its prior three-Judge Bench decision, confirming that only regular appointments establish seniority for elevation purposes. While ad-hoc service qualifies for pension and retiral benefits, it does not satisfy High Court elevation eligibility. The petition was dismissed as legally unsustainable.
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