SANT RAM Vs. UNION PUBLIC SERVCE COMMISSIONS

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Appellants feeling aggrieved against the order passed on 23.11.1998 by learned Single Judge dismissing their writ petition (C.W. 6051 /98) have filed this appeal.

(2.) Facts in brief are that 33 posts of Assistant Engineers/Assistant Executive Engineers (Electrical) were advertised on 14.3.1998 by Union Public Service Common (respondent No. I ) to be filled in Delhi Vidyut Board by direct recruitment. Closing date of receipt of applications was 2.4.1998. In response to to the advertisement, 1031 applications were received. On scrutiny, 815 applicants were considered eligible on the basis of their claim of possessing eligibility requirements mentioned in the advertisement, namely (a) degree in electrical engineering from a recognised university or equivalent; and (b) two years professional experience preferably in large electric supply undertaking.

(3.) A decision was taken by respondent No. 1 to conduct screening test on 5.12.1998 to be followed by interview, as a procedure for short-listing candidates for selection to the posts. Feeling aggrieved the appellants approached this Court by filing writ petition under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for issuance of writ of certiorari of any other writ or direction quashing the dedsion of the commission to select the candidates for recruitment to the posts in question and further to direct the commission to continue with the past practice of recruitment through method of interview by shortlisting the candidates on the basis of enhanced professional experience. Learned Single Judge dismissed the writ petition observing that in our constitutional scheme. Union Public Service Commission has got an effective role to play and once selection is entrusted to it, it can adopt its own method of short-listing the candidates. The method of short-listing the candidates adopted by the Commissioner is neither irrational nor arbitrary. The appellants, who had applied for the post and participated in the selection process have no right to say that the Commission must follow a particular method of short-listing.