Quick Summary: The Telangana High Court rejected a request to change the rule that requires aspiring Assistant Public Prosecutors to have at least three years of real-world experience in criminal courts. The person who made the request thought this rule was unfair, but the court decided it was fair and needed.
Kappera Rajesh, a lawyer, filed a petition against the rule set by the Telangana State Level Police Recruitment Board. He argued that the requirement of three years of experience in criminal courts was unfair and went against Articles 14 and 16 of the Indian Constitution, which promise equal treatment under the law and equal job opportunities.
"The difference between lawyers with less than three years of experience and those with more isn't based on any clear reason," Rajesh argued.
The State of Telangana, represented by the Government's lawyer for Home, defended the rule. They said that the requirement makes sure that candidates have hands-on experience, which is very important for the job of an Assistant Public Prosecutor. The job involves running trials, questioning witnesses, and making arguments, which needs more than just book knowledge.
"Real-world experience in court is absolutely necessary," the State argued.
The court, led by Chief Justice Apresh Kumar Singh and Justice G.M. Mohiuddin, looked at the arguments. They found that the rule was neither unfair nor unreasonable. The requirement of three years of experience ensures candidates have basic experience in criminal law, which is important for the role.
"The difference is based on a clear reason and is connected to the goal we want to achieve," the court noted.
The court mentioned a Supreme Court case, All India Judges Association v. Union of India, which supported similar experience requirements for judge positions. The court found that this reasoning worked just as well for the role of Assistant Public Prosecutors.
The court decided that the rule did not break constitutional rights and was in line with the goal of keeping high standards in the criminal justice system. Therefore, the request was denied.
"The rule of needing three years of real-world experience is fair, reasonable, and legally correct," the court declared.
