Madras HC: Puducherry's Sub-Inspector Age Limit Increase Denied

In a recent twist, the Madras High Court ruled on a case about changing the age limit for police recruitment in Puducherry. The court made its decision on February 26, 2026, and it has stirred quite the conversation.

The Background: Puducherry's Recruitment Saga

The Government of Puducherry announced on November 8, 2022, that they were hiring Sub-Inspectors. However, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, many candidates were too old to apply. They sent requests asking for the age limit to be increased, saying the pandemic had messed up recruitment for years.

Tribunal's Initial Decision: Age Limit Increased

The Central Administrative Tribunal initially agreed to increase the age limit for the COVID-19 period. This was based on the idea that similar exceptions were made for other jobs and that the pandemic affected job opportunities everywhere.

"The Tribunal allowed the Original Applications and granted age relaxation on the ground that similarly situated persons...had already been granted age relaxation for the COVID-19 pandemic period."

Government's Stand: A Policy Dilemma

The Government of Puducherry, represented by Additional Solicitor General Mr. A.R.L. Sundaresan, disagreed with this decision. They argued that increasing the age limit for Group 'B' jobs, like Sub-Inspectors, needed approval from the Union Public Service Commission and the Government of India.

"Age relaxation for such posts can be granted only with the approval of the Union Public Service Commission and the Government of Puducherry."

The Court's Verdict: No Age Limit Increase for Group 'B'

The court, led by Judges C.V. Karthikeyan and K. Kumaresh Babu, agreed with the Government of Puducherry. They decided that the Sub-Inspector job is part of Group 'B', and therefore, the age limit increase given by the Tribunal was not valid.

"The Writ Petitions stand allowed and the impugned orders of the Central Administrative Tribunal insofar as it relates to grant of relaxation of two years of Covid Pandemic alone is set aside."

What This Means: Looking Ahead

This decision highlights the importance of following the rules for hiring and the need for higher approval for changes in policy. The court's ruling makes sure that any changes to the age limit must match the rules set by the central government.

The court decided not to allow the age limit increase for Group 'B' positions like Sub-Inspectors, reinforcing that such changes need proper approval.