Tamil Nadu government issues new rules for judicial recruitment and legislator vehicle allowances

The Tamil Nadu government has implemented two significant administrative amendments. First, the State Judicial Service recruitment rules have been updated to establish separate qualifying marks for persons with benchmark disabilities (PwBD) applying for District Judge and Civil Judge positions. This move follows 2024 Supreme Court directions and Madras High Court recommendations. Under the new criteria, PwBD candidates for District Judge roles must secure at least 30 per cent in each paper, with minimum qualifying marks set at 35 per cent for backward classes and 40 per cent for other categories. For Civil Judge posts, PwBD candidates must secure at least 35 per cent in each main examination paper, with qualifying thresholds of 40 per cent for backward classes and 45 per cent for others.

Separately, the government has amended the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Travelling Allowance Rules, 1955, to set expenditure ceilings for vehicle purchases by ministers and MLAs. The Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Leader of the Opposition, and Chief Government Whip are permitted a ceiling of ₹26 lakh, while all other MLAs are capped at ₹15 lakh. These limits cover the ex-showroom price, taxes, registration, and insurance. All vehicles must meet BS-VI emission norms and be purchased via the Government’s GeM portal. While the government will cover maintenance and fuel for ministers, other MLAs must use their provided allowances for these costs.