THOTE BHASKARA RAO vs A.P. PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION AND OTHERS.

The Supreme Court held that the term 'Government service' in Rule 12 of the Andhra Pradesh State Judicial Service Rules does not include service in Hindustan Shipyard, despite it being a Government of India undertaking. The Court clarified that while Hindustan Shipyard is considered a 'State' under Article 12 for certain constitutional purposes, it operates as a separate legal entity and does not equate to direct service under the Government. Consequently, the appellant's application for the District Munsif position was rightly rejected as he did not meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the Rules.