GOKARAJU RANGARAJU ETC. vs STATE OF ANDHRA PRADESH

The Supreme Court held that judgments rendered by District Judges, whose appointments were later quashed under Article 233 of the Constitution, remain valid as they acted under lawful authority. The Court emphasized that the de facto doctrine applies, validating the actions of judges who, despite an invalid appointment, performed their duties in good faith. The appeals were dismissed, affirming that the procedure established by law was followed, and the validity of the judgments could not be questioned in collateral proceedings.