Exercise of Article 226 power must be backed by prima facie material

In the matter of Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council Secretariat vs Respondent Nos. 1–3, the Supreme Court on 17 October 2025 set aside the Allahabad High Court’s direction referring a recruitment-related controversy to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), holding that such extraordinary power under Article 226 must be exercised only in exceptional cases backed by prima facie material and not on mere suspicion or general allegations of unfairness.

A Bench of Justices J.K. Maheshwari and Vijay Bishnoi dealt with the challenge to the High Court’s order which, while hearing a special appeal arising out of recruitment disputes for Class-III posts in the U.P. Legislative Council, converted the case into a Suo motu Public Interest Litigation and directed a CBI preliminary inquiry into alleged manipulation and favoritism in the 2020 selection process.

The Supreme Court clarified that while High Courts possess wide constitutional powers under Articles 32 and 226, directions for CBI investigation cannot be issued routinely, vaguely, or in absence of specific pleadings or evidence. Referring to precedents such as Secretary, Minor Irrigation & Rural Engg. Services, U.P. v. Sahngoo Ram Arya (2002) 5 SCC 521; State of W.B. v. Committee for Protection of Democratic Rights (2010) 3 SCC 571; and Shree Shree Ram Janki Asthan Tapovan Mandir v. State of Jharkhand (2019) 6 SCC 25, the Court reiterated that a CBI probe must only be ordered where the allegations are grave, have national or institutional ramifications, and the State machinery is demonstrably incapable of ensuring a fair investigation.

The Court found that neither the writ petitioners nor the appellants had sought a CBI investigation, and the High Court had acted on mere doubt and conjecture regarding the identification of private recruitment agencies. The petitioners themselves had admitted before the Supreme Court that they did not seek or support a CBI probe. Holding the High Court’s order to be “jurisdictionally excessive and procedurally irregular”, the Supreme Court observed that recruitment disputes do not automatically justify central investigation unless the irregularities “shake the conscience of the Court” or involve systemic corruption. The Bench cautioned that converting a “special appeal into a Suo motu” PIL and summoning CBI intervention “without foundational facts” undermines the principle of judicial self-restraint and violates the spirit of federalism.

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Hiring Now: Legal Intern at Servify (Andheri, Mumbai) – Corporate & Contracts Internship

Servify is a leading device management and after-sales service platform that connects consumers, brands, and service partners on a unified digital ecosystem. The company empowers major electronic and appliance brands by transforming the after-sales journey—from device protection and service requests to warranty management—into a smooth and transparent process.

Founded with a mission to make device ownership effortless, Servify operates globally and collaborates with leading tech and consumer electronics companies. Its platform leverages technology, automation, and analytics to enhance customer experience, reduce turnaround time, and improve operational efficiency.

For law students interested in technology-driven businesses and corporate legal functions, Servify offers a unique opportunity to understand the inner workings of contracts and compliance within a fast-paced tech company.


Location

Andheri, Mumbai
Mode: On-site (Work from Office – 5 days per week)


Position / Vacancies

Position: Legal Intern — Corporate / Contracts
Vacancies: 1

This is a full-time, on-site internship designed for law students who wish to gain hands-on experience in corporate law, contracts, and compliance documentation while working closely with Servify’s in-house legal team.


Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the Legal Intern at Servify position, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Law students (any year) currently pursuing an LL.B. or integrated law degree.
• Demonstrated interest in corporate law, contracts, and compliance.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple assignments.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and coordination skills.
• Must be available to work full-time on-site at the Mumbai office (Andheri).

This opportunity is ideal for students eager to gain practical, real-world exposure to corporate and contractual legal processes in a business-oriented environment.


Key Responsibilities

As a Legal Intern at Servify, you will assist the in-house legal team with day-to-day contract and compliance operations. Your role will include:

Contract Mapping and Repository Management: Organize, maintain, and update the firm’s contract database and ensure version control for all executed agreements.

Assist in Contract Reviews and Redlines: Help review contracts and identify key clauses, potential risks, and commercial terms during negotiation phases.

Support Negotiation Preparation and Tracking: Coordinate with internal business teams to prepare for negotiations and track progress across multiple agreements.

Documentation and Coordination: Assist in maintaining accurate records, tracking contract statuses, and ensuring compliance with internal policies.

Stakeholder Communication: Collaborate with multiple departments (procurement, sales, finance, operations) for smooth contract execution and lifecycle management.

This position offers direct exposure to contract lifecycle management (CLM), a crucial skill for any aspiring corporate lawyer.


What You Will Gain

Joining Servify as a Legal Intern will give you a competitive edge and practical learning opportunities. Here’s what you can expect:

• Real-world exposure to corporate contracts, negotiation processes, and compliance documentation.
• Hands-on learning in contract repository management, redlining, and legal data tracking.
• Mentorship from experienced in-house legal professionals working in a dynamic, technology-driven organization.
• Insight into legal operations within a large, fast-paced corporate and startup hybrid ecosystem.
• Enhanced professional profile with corporate and commercial law experience added to your resume.


Duration / Employment Type

Type: Internship (Full-time)
Mode: On-site – Andheri, Mumbai
Working Days: 5 days per week
Duration: Not specified (may vary depending on candidate performance and organizational needs)


Stipend

Not disclosed.
(The firm may offer a stipend based on candidate performance and internship duration.)


Last Date to Apply

Not specified.
Early applications are encouraged as the position will be filled on a rolling basis.


Application Procedure

To apply for the Legal Intern at Servify (Andheri, Mumbai) position:

Send your updated resume to: ruchika.m@servify.com
Subject Line: Application for Legal Internship – Corporate / Contracts (Servify, Andheri)

Applicants should ensure their resume highlights:
• Academic qualifications
• Relevant coursework or prior internship experience in corporate/contract law
• Skills in documentation, research, and organizational tasks


Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal Legal Intern at Servify is someone who:
• Is meticulous, proactive, and eager to learn corporate legal operations.
• Enjoys hands-on work and collaboration with cross-functional teams.
• Is keen on understanding contractual processes, compliance systems, and documentation workflows.
• Thrives in a fast-paced corporate environment and pays attention to detail in every task.

This internship is a great stepping stone for those aiming to pursue in-house counsel, corporate advisory, or transactional law careers.


Why Join Servify?

Servify’s in-house legal team plays a critical role in maintaining compliance, negotiating business deals, and ensuring all contracts align with the company’s operational goals. By joining, you will experience:

• A dynamic work environment at the intersection of law, technology, and business.
• Real-world learning about contracts, negotiations, and corporate documentation.
• Direct mentorship from skilled legal professionals with corporate experience.
• Exposure to corporate law tools, contract repositories, and legal tech practices.

Working at Servify provides a glimpse into how corporate legal teams function within fast-growing organizations—bridging law with innovation.


Final Thoughts

The Legal Intern (On-site) position at Servify, Andheri, Mumbai, is an excellent opportunity for law students seeking hands-on exposure to corporate and contract law. The internship blends practical experience, mentorship, and learning in a real corporate setup, making it a strong foundation for any aspiring corporate lawyer.

If you are ready to gain real-world experience in contracts, compliance, and corporate governance while working at a global tech platform, apply today and take your first step toward a successful legal career.


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