Court Directs Authorities to Consider Candidate Medically Fit for CAPF Appointment, Citing Lack of Evidence Linking Condition to Mental Instability
In a significant judgment, the Calcutta High Court has ruled in favor of Md. Ashik Mondal, a candidate who was previously declared unfit for appointment as a Constable (G.D.) under the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) due to a medical condition known as palmar hyperhidrosis. The condition, characterized by excessive sweating of the palms, was initially cited as a reason to question Mondal's mental stability, in line with medical guidelines set forth in May 2015.
Presiding Judge Saugata Bhattacharyya, in a detailed examination of the case, found that the sweating of palms is not conclusively linked to mental or nervous instability, as outlined under Clause 6(16) of the revised medical guidelines for recruitment in CAPFs and Assam Rifles. The court observed that the review medical examination conducted on November 21, 2025, did not establish any conclusive medical findings that could substantiate the claim of mental instability due to the condition.
The court's decision was informed by a report submitted by the Inspector General of Police, Central Reserve Police Force, which suggested that palmar hyperhidrosis might be attributed to excessive stress and could resolve after de-stressing. However, the report did not present definitive evidence that linked the condition to the mental instability criteria necessary for disqualification.
In light of these findings, the court directed the respondent authorities to treat Md. Ashik Mondal as medically fit for the position of Constable (G.D.) and instructed them to proceed with his appointment within two months, provided he meets all other eligibility criteria.
This ruling sets a precedent for similar cases where candidates may be disqualified due to medical conditions that are not clearly linked to disqualifying criteria. It underscores the importance of evidence-based medical assessments in recruitment processes, ensuring that candidates are not unfairly disqualified based on conjecture.
Md. Ashik Mondal expressed relief and gratitude following the judgment, expressing hope that this decision will pave the way for fair treatment of all candidates with similar medical conditions.
Bottom Line:
Recruitment - Candidate declared unfit for appointment as Constable (G.D.) under CAPFs on the ground of palmar hyper hidrosis (sweating of palm) - Held, sweating of palm is not conclusively related to mental or nervous instability under Clause 6(16) of the revised medical guidelines of May, 2015 - No specific provision disqualifies a candidate diagnosed with palmar hyper hidrosis from being appointed - Candidate directed to be treated as medically fit and steps to be taken for appointment.
Statutory provision(s):
Clause 6(16) of the Guidelines for Recruitment Medical Examination in Central Armed Police Forces and Assam Rifles (Revised May 2015)
Md. Ashik Mondal v. Union of India, (Calcutta) : Law Finder Doc id # 2849944
