In Brief
A Maharashtra Forest Department rule restricting participation in Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (LDCE) for Forester promotion to graduates only was challenged as violating equality rights. The Supreme Court held the restriction unconstitutional. Though educational qualification can justify classification in some contexts, here all Forest Guards form one integrated cadre with 25% posts filled by LDCE merit. Without quota reserved for graduates, imposing a graduation requirement for examination access creates an impermissible sub-class, treating similarly-situated employees unequally. The Court struck down the graduation requirement, allowing all eligible Forest Guards (5+ years service) to compete, regardless of educational qualification.
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