RAM BHAGAT SINGH AND ANR. vs STATE OF HARYANA AND ANR.

The Supreme Court addressed the validity of Rule 8 of the Punjab Civil Services (Judicial Branch) Rules, 1951, which mandates a minimum of 55% aggregate marks for qualifying in the Haryana Judicial Service Examination. The Court held that while public services must maintain efficiency, they must also ensure equality of opportunity for scheduled castes and scheduled tribes, who historically face disadvantages. The Court directed the Government to objectively determine a minimum qualifying percentage that balances efficiency with the need for equality for these communities, in accordance with Articles 14, 15, 16, and 38 of the Constitution.