Bombay High Court Restores 55-Year Promotion Limit for Anganwadi Sevikas

A 2026 Government Resolution reducing the maximum age for promotion from Anganwadi Sevika to Supervisor from 55 to 50 years

The State had earlier framed Service Entry Rules reducing the promotion age to 45. The Nagpur Bench declared Rule 7(1)(c) unconstitutional under Article 14 because the Government Resolution dated 17 November 2001 and corrigendum dated 7 December 2001 permitted consideration up to 55 years. A new Resolution dated 3 July 2026 fixed 50 years. The State relied on the different retirement ages of Sevikas and Supervisors.

Issue and applicable law

The central question was a 2026 Government Resolution reducing the maximum age for promotion from Anganwadi Sevika to Supervisor from 55 to 50 years.

The Court applied Article 14 and the doctrine of legitimate expectation. It found that the earlier governing instruments continued to operate and that the new restriction would deprive senior workers of promotional opportunity while enabling juniors to supersede them.

Court's reasoning

The Court held that the reduction was discriminatory and defeated the legitimate expectation created by the 2001 Resolution and corrigendum. Its principal reason was that an earlier Division Bench had already invalidated a similar 45-year restriction, that decision remained unchallenged, and no justification supported the fresh reduction.

Decision and practical effect

The Resolution dated 3 July 2026 was quashed and a fresh advertisement with the 55-year limit was directed.

The ruling is significant because it clarifies how the stated legal standard should be applied to comparable disputes without extending the decision beyond the facts reported by the source.

Case details

• Case: Farida Mustak Mulla v. State of Maharashtra

• Court: Bombay High Court

• Case number or citation: Writ Petition No. 4045 of 2026

• Judges: Justice Sharmila U. Deshmukh and Justice Neeraj P. Dhote

• Source: https://www.livelaw.in/high-court/bombay-high-court/bombay-high-court-quashes-government-resolution-reducing-age-limit-anganwadi-sevikas-promotion-549257