Court Rules Higher Qualifications Do Not Disqualify Candidacy if They Meet Job Requirements
In a significant ruling, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has quashed the rejection of a candidate for the post of Beldar due to non-submission of an 8th class certificate, despite the candidate possessing higher qualifications. The court highlighted that possessing higher qualifications in the relevant subject does not render a candidate ineligible for consideration. The petition, filed by Lakhvinder Singh, challenged the decision of the Municipal Corporation, Moga, which had rejected his application for the Beldar post on the grounds that he failed to submit an 8th class certificate with Punjabi as an elective subject, as mandated by the recruitment advertisement.
The petitioner, represented by Advocate Amrinder Pratap Singh, argued that he had cleared the Punjabi language examination at both the matriculation and senior secondary levels, surpassing the minimum qualification of middle school level. The court, presided over by Justice Harpreet Singh Brar, found merit in Singh's argument and set aside the municipal corporation's rejection order dated 08.08.2025.
The judgment emphasized that higher qualifications enhance a candidate's suitability for the role and should not be a ground for disqualification. The court cited precedents, including the Supreme Court's ruling in Chandra Shekhar Singh v. State of Jharkhand, which supported the view that higher qualifications in the same line or subject should not preclude a candidate from being considered for a post.
Justice Brar directed the competent authority to reconsider Singh's application afresh and grant him the same deemed date of appointment as other successful candidates, with pay applicable from the actual date of joining. The decision reinforces the principle that job eligibility criteria should not unjustly penalize candidates with qualifications exceeding the minimum requirements.
Bottom Line:
Higher qualification than the prescribed minimum does not render a candidate ineligible for consideration if the higher qualification meets or exceeds the intended criteria or requirements of the post.
Statutory provision(s): Constitution of India, 1950 Articles 226/227
Lakhvinder Singh v. State of Punjab, (Punjab And Haryana) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2840278
