Court Validates Decision to Annul Results Amidst Evidence of Systematic Irregularities and Question Paper Leak
In a significant ruling on March 17, 2026, the Allahabad High Court, under the judgment of Justice Saurabh Shyam Shamshery, upheld the decision to cancel the results of the written examination for 910 Assistant Professor posts. The examination, conducted by the U.P. Education Service Selection Commission, was marred by allegations of malpractice, including the leakage of question papers. This decision comes in the wake of substantial evidence pointing to systematic irregularities that compromised the integrity of the selection process.
The recruitment process, initiated in 2022, was intended to fill vacancies in various aided non-government postgraduate colleges across Uttar Pradesh. However, following the examinations held in April 2025, two FIRs were registered, uncovering the involvement of four individuals in leaking question papers to candidates for a substantial fee. Investigations by the police and a subsequent report by the Additional Director General of Police, Law and Order/S.T.F., Uttar Pradesh, revealed that at least 19 candidates directly benefited from these malpractices.
Despite objections from the petitioners, represented by Senior Advocate Dinesh Kumar Pandey, the court found the state's decision to annul the examination justified. The court emphasized that the integrity of the selection process was paramount, and the presence of systematic fraud necessitated the cancellation of results to maintain fairness and transparency.
Justice Shamshery, referencing several Supreme Court judgments, highlighted that when widespread irregularities are evident, the entire examination process must be invalidated to preserve its sanctity. The court noted that the investigation and subsequent filing of charge sheets against the accused provided sufficient grounds to support the decision.
The petitioners, who initially stood in the merit list awaiting interview schedules, argued that the cancellation was unwarranted due to the lack of concrete evidence implicating them. However, the court dismissed this, stating that the mere association with leaked question papers compromised the process. Furthermore, the court pointed out that since the selection process was not concluded and interviews were yet to be conducted, the petitioners' claims of adverse effects were unfounded.
In conclusion, the court reiterated the principle that candidates do not possess an indefeasible right to selection, especially when the examination's fairness is in question. The decision underscores the judiciary's commitment to upholding transparency and equity in recruitment processes. The petitioners have been granted the opportunity to participate in a fresh examination, for which a new schedule has been announced.
Bottom Line:
Recruitment Process - Cancellation of entire written examination due to systematic irregularities and malpractices was justified, considering the integrity of the selection process was compromised. Investigations revealed that question papers were leaked and at least 19 candidates benefited from the malpractice.
Statutory provision(s): Sections 112, 308(5), 318(4) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
KM. Lakshmi v. State of U.P., (Allahabad) : Law Finder Doc id # 2867403
