The Supreme Court issued notice on a Special Leave Petition filed on behalf of serving Karnataka Civil Service officers assailing the 2022 Rules framed by the State Government permitting lateral entry of Urban Local Body employees into the Karnataka Civil Service. The petitioners contended that the rules violate the statutory bar under the Karnataka State Civil Services (Prohibition of Absorption of the Employees of Public Sector Establishments into Public Service) Act, 2020, and impermissibly curtail promotional avenues within the Karnataka Municipal Administrative Service.

The Karnataka High Court had earlier upheld the validity of the 2022 Rules. Taking note of the issues raised, the Supreme Court has now directed that all future appointments made under the impugned framework shall remain subject to the final outcome of the SLP.