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Justice DY Chandrachud, Supreme Court Judge, while dismissing a plea by a higher judiciary aspirant from Madhya Pradesh for relaxation of upper age limit, as he had crossed the prescribed age of 45, said “All the best for your career as a lawyer, you will succeed in the bar.”

The petitioner had in 2020 challenged the decision of the High Court to change the upper age limit for appearing in the Higher Judicial Services examination from 48 years to 45  for candidates belonging to SC/ST category and sought for a relaxation for himself on account of his age (being born in 1976). The court had by an order dated 10th February 2020 permitted him to sit for the examination, he could however not succeed and the petition was disposed off.

When the matter came up for hearing, the candidate, appearing party in person submitted that the upper age limit was reduced arbitrarily. He further submitted that he is the first person from his family to be educated and that this opportunity meant a lot to him

The bench also consisting of Justices Surya Kant and Bela Trivedi on hearing his submissions asked for his actual age and enquired from him if he could appear for the Delhi Higher Judiciary Examination, since it had recently passed an order relaxing the upper age limit of candidates. On being told that he is age barred for appearing in Delhi as well, the court was the view that it cannot interfere at this stage and dismissed the matter.

Case title : Duwarakya Sawale Vs High Court of Madhya Pradesh