CHANDRAMOULESHWAR PRASAD vs PATNA HIGH COURT & ORS.

The Supreme Court held that the gradation list of Additional District Judges prepared by the High Court has no legal basis under the Bihar Superior Judicial Service Rules, and seniority must be determined at the time of confirmation. The Court ruled that the Government's appointment of the petitioner as District Judge was invalid as it did not comply with Article 233 of the Constitution, which mandates consultation with the High Court for such appointments. Consequently, the High Court's order was quashed, affirming the necessity of proper procedure in judicial appointments.