Anti-Corruption Peoples Movement v. State of Kerala
Case brief
What is this about?
The Kerala High Court examined challenges to Special Rules (1959) allowing the appointment of personal staff for Ministers and the Chief Minister without public advertisement or PSC consultation. The Court held that the Constitutional principles of equality and equal opportunity permit distinct classification for this staff category due to the necessity of confidentiality, trust, and absolute loyalty for effective governance. Distinguishing these posts from regular civil service recruitment, the Court found direct recruitment justified by the unique tenure and nature of political leadership. Consequently, the petitions challenging the validity of the Special Rules were dismissed.
What did the court decide?
The writ petitions were dismissed as the petitioners failed to make out a case of arbitrariness or unfairness regarding the appointment of personal staff for Ministers and the Chief Minister.