New Delhi: In an extraordinary decision, the Supreme Court reprimanded the Kerala High Court on Wednesday for violating procedures concerning the appointment of District Judges in March 2017. The cut-off mark for viva voce was only announced after the recruitment process, which the constitution bench deemed illegal. 

The five-judge constitution bench led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud pointed out that there was a violation of guidelines since the High Court revised its appointment process after the completion of the written exam and interview. The bench did however state that appointed judges would not be removed from their position. 

It clearly says that appointment should be based on total marks obtained in the written exam and viva voce in an exam scheme initially issued over the appointment of district judges in 2017. For candidates in the general category, the cut-off mark was 50 per cent, and for those in the SC/ST category, it was 40 per cent. 

Initially, the candidates were informed that there would be no cut-off mark for a viva-voce. However, a decision was taken to change the appointment process after the completion of the written exam and viva-voce. The constitutional bench considered this as a clear violation of guidelines. 

Despite questioning the appointment process, the Supreme Court stated that judges who received appointments would not reflect negatively on them. Furthermore, these judges will not be barred from serving in judicial or other positions in the future, the bench noted.