In Brief
This case challenged Rule 5A(3) of the Bihar Civil Service (Judicial Branch) (Recruitment) Rules, 1955, which limited final examination candidates to 10% of those who appeared in the preliminary test. The Supreme Court struck down this rule as arbitrary and violating the mandatory 1:10 ratio (vacancies to successful candidates) established in Malik Mazhar Sultan. The rule failed to prescribe minimum passing marks and unreasonably restricted the competitive field, particularly disadvantaging reserved category candidates. The Court directed that candidates equal to 10 times the available vacancies be called for the final examination within six weeks and confirmed horizontal reservation for women candidates would be provided.
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