Legal Challenge Against Jharkhand's Recruitment Exam Cancellations Intensifies
Candidates Challenge Jharkhand Government's Decision
Photo: @ians_india/X
Ranchi, Aug 20: The legal confrontation initiated by candidates affected by the Jharkhand government's cancellation of 22 recruitment exams has escalated, with four petitions filed in the High Court challenging this decision. These petitions are scheduled for a hearing on Thursday at 3 PM.
The petitioners consist of successful candidates from various examinations, including the 11th-13th JPSC Combined Civil Services Examination, JSSC-CGL, and the Food Safety Officer exam. Notable petitioners include Avadhesh Kumar, Deepmala, Sonam Kumari, and Saurabh Singh, among others.
The main argument presented by the candidates is that the government acted unilaterally in cancelling the exams and subsequent appointments without allowing them a chance to defend themselves. Many of these candidates had already commenced their roles in government service following their selection, and this abrupt decision has put their employment at risk.
The petitioners have also referenced the principles of natural justice in their arguments. They contend that while it is necessary to take action against any candidate found to have engaged in misconduct during the investigation, it is unjust to dismiss all successful candidates from their positions without individual inquiries or hearings.
They assert that they followed the established procedures to take the exams, achieved positions on the merit lists, and were subsequently appointed to government roles.
In the case of JSSC-CGL, some petitioners have pointed out that the examination results were announced in accordance with previous High Court directives, raising concerns about the legality of the government's decision to annul the entire examination.
The Jharkhand government made the decision to cancel the 22 recruitment exams based on findings from CID and SIT investigations into alleged irregularities in various competitive assessments.
The affected examinations include recruitment for numerous positions, such as those through the JPSC 11th-13th Combined Civil Services Examination and JSSC-CGL, as well as roles like Civil Judge, Deputy Collector, Food Safety Officer, Drug Inspector, Assistant Professor, Lecturer, Assistant Engineer, Forest Range Officer, and Assistant Conservator of Forests.