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The Supreme Court of India has delivered a crucial judgment regarding the sanctity of eligibility criteria in government job recruitment processes. In a landmark decision, the court has asserted that eligibility requirements for government positions cannot be altered mid-way through the recruitment process. This ruling underscores the importance of transparency, fairness, and non-discrimination in public sector hiring practices. The court's decision aims to safeguard the rights of aspiring candidates and ensure a level playing field in the competitive landscape of government employment.
The bench, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, emphasized that the eligibility criteria, as outlined at the commencement of the recruitment process, must remain unchanged unless explicitly permitted by the existing rules or the job advertisement. Justice Misra, authoring the judgment, highlighted that any modifications to the eligibility criteria, even if authorized by regulations or the advertisement, must adhere to the constitutional principle of non-arbitrariness under Article 14. This principle mandates that all actions taken by the state must be reasonable, justifiable, and free from bias or favoritism.
The court's decision acknowledges the potential for open-ended recruitment advertisements to grant discretion to the recruiting authority, but it cautions that such discretion must be exercised responsibly and in accordance with the principle of non-discrimination enshrined in the Constitution. The judgment further clarifies that even if a candidate is included in the final selection list, they do not automatically acquire a guaranteed right to appointment. However, the state cannot arbitrarily deny appointments to candidates on the select list without legitimate and compelling reasons.
The ruling establishes that the burden of proof rests with the state to justify its decision not to proceed with the appointment of a selected candidate. This requirement ensures that the state is accountable for its actions and cannot act arbitrarily in matters of public employment. Furthermore, the court asserts that vacancies must be filled from the select list, and candidates cannot be arbitrarily excluded without valid justification. The judgment serves as a crucial reminder that the selection process for government jobs must prioritize fairness, transparency, and the selection of the most qualified individuals for public service.
Source: Eligibility criteria for govt jobs cannot be changed midway, rules SC