Court Upholds Validity of Recruitment Preferences Locked by Candidates in State Selection Process
In a recent ruling, the Madhya Pradesh High Court, presided over by Justice Jai Kumar Pillai, dismissed a writ petition challenging the state's recruitment process, particularly the merit-cum-preference system used in the selection of candidates. The case, titled Jitendra Mewade v. State of Madhya Pradesh, revolved around the selection list for the Group-4, Assistant Grade-3 Combined Recruitment Test - 2024.
The petitioner, Jitendra Mewade, sought to quash the select list recommending candidates for the post of Assistant Grade-III, arguing that despite securing higher marks, his name was not included due to the preference system. Mewade claimed his preferences were entered randomly and contended that merit should override preference in the selection process.
The High Court examined the rules outlined in the Madhya Pradesh Junior Service (Joint Qualifying) Examination Rules, 2013, and associated standing notices. The court noted that the merit-cum-preference methodology empowers candidates to secure posts based on both their merit and personal preferences. It emphasized that Mewade had consciously entered his preferences, with the post in question being his 36th choice, while his top choice, Post Code 144, was already allotted to him due to his high merit score.
Justice Pillai highlighted the importance of maintaining the integrity and transparency of the recruitment process. The court found no illegality or arbitrariness in the selection procedure and upheld the binding nature of a candidate's elected preferences, citing the Doctrine of Estoppel and Acquiescence. The court also warned against setting precedents that could disrupt administrative processes and infringe on the rights of other candidates.
The High Court dismissed the petition, reiterating the validity of the merit-cum-preference system and the need for candidates to adhere to their locked choices, thereby affirming the recruitment board's decision.
Bottom Line:
Recruitment and Selection Process - Candidate cannot challenge the allotment system based on "merit-cum-preference" after willingly participating in the process and locking preferences in the application form.
Statutory provision(s): Article 226 of the Constitution of India, Madhya Pradesh Junior Service (Joint Qualifying) Examination Rules, 2013
Jitendra Mewade v. State of Madhya Pradesh, (Madhya Pradesh)(Indore) : Law Finder Doc id # 2876778
