Supreme Court Clarifies Non-Operability of Expired Reserve Lists in Public Employment Rajasthan Public Service Commission's Appeals Upheld; Supreme Court Emphasizes Legal Framework Governing Reserve Lists
In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court of India, comprising Justices Dipankar Datta and Augustine George Masih, delivered a judgment on January 15, 2026, underscoring the legal parameters surrounding reserve or waiting lists in public employment. The verdict came in response to appeals filed by the Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC), challenging the decisions of the Rajasthan High Court that directed appointments from expired reserve lists.
The Supreme Court's judgment addressed three separate appeals concerning candidates Yati Jain, Aakriti Saxena, and Vivek Kumar Meena, who sought appointments from reserve lists post-expiration. The apex court held that reserve lists, as per the Rajasthan Legal State and Subordinate Services Rules, 1981, and the Rajasthan Agriculture Subordinate Service Rules, 1978, are not independent recruitment sources and have a six-month validity from the forwarding of the original select list to the appointing authority.
The court emphasized that the reserve lists are designed to fill vacancies arising due to non-joining of selected candidates within their validity period and are not meant to be a perennial source of recruitment. The judgment clarified that the right of candidates in the waiting list to be considered for appointments is contingent upon the existence of vacancies within the validity period of the list.
The Supreme Court also affirmed the locus standi of the RPSC, as a constitutional authority, to challenge court directions that contravene statutory rules, highlighting its direct impact on the Commission's functions.
The court's decision underscores the importance of adhering to statutory provisions governing reserve lists and the need for timely recruitment processes. The judgment is expected to have significant implications for public service recruitments across the country, ensuring clarity and adherence to established legal frameworks.
Bottom Line:
Reserve/Waiting Lists in Public Employment - Validity period of reserve lists under Rajasthan Service Rules - Reserve lists are not an independent source of recruitment and cannot operate beyond their specified validity period as per the rules.
Statutory provision(s): Article 315, Article 320 of the Constitution, Rajasthan Legal State and Subordinate Services Rules, 1981, Rule 24, Rajasthan Agriculture Subordinate Service Rules, 1978, Rule 21
Rajasthan Public Service Commission, Ajmer v. Yati Jain, (SC) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2838754
