P.S.Gopinathan vs State Of Kerala & Ors

The Supreme Court addressed the promotion criteria within the Kerala State Higher Judicial Service, emphasizing that only officers from the Kerala Civil Judicial Service are eligible for promotion to the Higher Judicial Service as per the Kerala State Higher Judicial Service Rules, 1961. The Court held that the bifurcation of the subordinate judiciary into Civil and Criminal wings under G.O. dated 12.2.1973 was valid and that the select list for promotions must adhere to these rules. The judgment clarified the legal framework governing appointments and promotions in the judiciary, affirming the established procedures.