RESHMA MEHBOOBHAI BOBDA Vs. STATE OF GUJARAT

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Since this group of Special Civil Applications involves identical issues both on facts and law, the Court heard all these petitions in one bunch. So, I propose to dispose of all these petitions by this common judgment and order, as the issues urged before the Court are identical.

(2.) The unsuccessful candidates filed this group of writ petitions challenging the prescription of minimum height of 158 cm for female category candidates and 165 cm for male category candidates being contrary, irrational and unjust as prescribed in Rule 4(c) of the Recruitment Rules (for short "said Rules") vide No.GVN -2008(11) -RCT/1491/749/D -2 Part II dated 31.3.2008 framed in exercise of powers conferred by proviso to Article 309 of the Constitution of India. Though the writ petitions are directed to challenge for prescription of the height as prescribed under Rule 4(c) of the said Rules, but since the mode of challenge are from different angle, the bunch of writ petitions can be classified into three different groups for better appreciation of submissions made at bar.

(3.) The petitioners of Special Civil Application Nos. 10519 of 2014 to 10521 of 2014 and 16222 of 2014 consisting of female/male category candidates would be referred to as Group I, petitioners of Special Civil Application Nos.10522 of 2014, 10630 of 2014, 11324 of 2014 and 14578 of 2014 consisting of female/male category candidates would be referred to as Group II and petitioners of Special Civil Application Nos.11322 of 2014 and 11323 of 2014 consisting of female/male category candidates would be referred to as Group III. COMMON FACTS: -