The Madhya Pradesh High Court on Tuesday struck down as unconstitutional a state government rule under which employees recruited through the Employees' Selection Board and other agencies were paid 70%, 80% and 90% of their salary during the first three years of probation. A division bench of Acting Chief Justice Vivek Rusia and Justice Pradeep Mittal said the rule violated the right to equality under Articles 12 and 14 of the Constitution. The court was hearing a batch of petitions challenging the government circular issued on November 25, 2019, which provided for staggered payment during probation. The bench noted that candidates appointed through the Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission received full salary, while those selected through the Employees' Selection Board or other agencies received reduced pay.