Court dismisses petition challenging the recruitment process, citing lack of credible evidence of systemic fraud
Chandigarh, January 21, 2026 - In a significant judgment, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has dismissed the petition filed by Akashdeep Kaur and others challenging the recruitment process conducted by the State of Punjab. The petitioners alleged systemic fraud, paper leakage, and mass copying in the examination process for the recruitment to 184 posts of Senior Assistant-cum-Inspector. However, the court found no substantial evidence to support these claims.
Presiding over the case, Justice Harpreet Singh Brar emphasized the need for cogent evidence to substantiate allegations of malpractice that could vitiate an examination process at a systemic level. The court relied on the inquiry report conducted by a retired judge, which concluded that the recruitment process was free from procedural irregularities or systemic malpractice.
The petitioners raised concerns regarding similarities in wrong answers among top-ranking candidates and their geographical concentration, which they claimed indicated collusion. However, the court noted that such similarities could arise from common preparation materials, elimination strategies, or exam stress, and did not constitute proof of malpractice. The forensic examination ruled out tampering, impersonation, or collusion, reinforcing the integrity of the examination process.
Justice Brar highlighted precedents that state cancellation of an examination is justified only when the sanctity of the process is compromised at a systemic level. The court dismissed the petition as speculative and unsubstantiated, reinforcing the principle that mere suspicion or post-result dissatisfaction does not warrant judicial interference.
The judgment comes as a relief to the candidates who successfully qualified the recruitment process, reaffirming the fairness and transparency of the examination. The court's decision underscores the importance of credible evidence in challenging recruitment processes and protects the rights of untainted candidates.
The petitioners' reliance on previous Supreme Court judgments, including the case of Tanvi Sarwal v. Central Board of Secondary Education, was deemed misplaced as the factual matrices were distinguishable from the present case.
In conclusion, the court upheld the recruitment process, dismissing the petition and vacating interim relief granted earlier. The judgment reinforces the integrity of the examination process and sets a precedent for future cases involving allegations of systemic fraud.
Bottom Line:
Recruitment process - Allegations of systemic fraud, paper leakage, and mass copying - The court held that cancellation of an examination is justified only when the integrity of the process is compromised at a systemic level, making it impossible to segregate tainted candidates from untainted ones. Mere suspicion or post-result dissatisfaction does not warrant judicial interference.
Statutory provision(s): Articles 14 and 16 of the Constitution of India, Articles 226 and 227 of the Constitution of India
Akashdeep Kaur v. State of Punjab, (Punjab And Haryana) : Law Finder Doc id # 2846639
