JUDGMENT

Najmi Waziri, J. This writ petition seeks the setting aside of the Final Result Notice of the Delhi Higher Judicial Services Examination, 2022 (`Impugned Notice') dated 10.11.2022, only insofar as it rejects the candidature of the petitioner for appointment to the Delhi Higher Judicial Services (`DHJS'). The main issue to be determined is whether the petitioner is covered by the expression "continuously practicing advocate for not less than 7 years preceding receipt of applications" which is a mandatory qualification for selection to the DHJS.

2. There is no dispute of the fact that the petitioner has been working as a Law Officer with the Steel Authority of India (`SAIL') since 2010. He earned a degree in B.A.LLB. (Hons.) from National Academy of Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR) University of Law, Hyderabad in 2010. He got enrolled with the Bar Council of Uttar Pradesh on 23.05.2010. In June 2010, SAIL issued him a letter of appointment and in July 2010, he started working as Jr. Manager (Law). He says that he started appearing, acting and/or pleading on behalf of SAIL before various courts, tribunals and quasi-judicial fora. He cleared the All-India Bar Examination in