Supreme Court Judgement on Rules of Public Service Recruitment

A five-judge Constitution Bench, led by Chief Justice of India delivered its judgement regarding the eligibility criteria for selection of candidates to public services.

About SC Judgement on Rules of Recruitment

No Changes Midway Through Recruitment Process: The process of selection and appointment for selecting candidates, cannot be altered after the recruitment process has begun.
Principles of Equality and Non-Discrimination:
- Laws, rules and procedures for recruitment to public services—both for the Union and States—must align with the fundamental principles of equality and non-discrimination under Articles 14 (right to equality) and 16 (equal opportunity in public employment) of the Constitution.
- Any changes to the eligibility criteria must also satisfy the test of non-arbitrariness, ensuring that the process remains fair and just.
No Right to Appointment Despite Selection: Even if a candidate is placed on the select list, it does not guarantee an indefeasible right to be appointed to the position, even if vacancies are available.
- However, State or its instrumentalities cannot arbitrarily deny appointment to a selected candidate. It would be the State’s responsibility to justify such a denial.