SODAGAR SINGH vs STATE OF PUNJAB

The Supreme Court upheld the Punjab & Haryana High Court's decision regarding the appointment of the petitioner as Legal Assistant on an ad hoc basis, emphasizing that Rule 8 of the Punjab Roadways (Ministerial) State Service Class-III Rules, 1997 mandates specific qualifications for direct recruitment. The Court ruled that the government cannot relax these conditions for further promotion and directed that regular recruitment must occur within three months, failing which the petitioner would cease to hold the position. The Court found no legal error in the High Court's interpretation, thus dismissing the special leave petitions.