JOHANSON SOIBAM Vs. STATE OF MANIPUR

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioners who are educated unemployed youths have approached this Court praying for a direction to be issued to the respondents for allowing them to appear in the test for appointment to the post of Jamadar in the Manipur Rifles by relaxing upper age limit fixed for the post.

(2.) I have heard Mr. H.S. Paonam, the learned counsel appearing on behalf of the petitioners as well as Mr. T. Nandakumar Singh, learned Advocate General, Manipur assisted by Mr. A. Mohendro Singh.

(3.) The respondent No.2 issued a requisition/notification dated 7th August, 1998 for recruitment of 24 (twenty four) posts of Jamadar. The minimum prescribed age in 18 and maximum 25 years as on 31.7.98 (upper age limit relaxable upto 5 years in case of SC/ ST candidates) copy of the notification is annexed as Annexure-A/7 to the writ petition. Admittedly, the petitioners are over-aged. Their age range from 28 to 29 years. It is also admitted that there has been a ban on filling up of vacancies against direct recruitment quota in various posts and services for the period from 23.1.92 to 8.2.1996. Subsequently Government lifted the ban for such direct recruitment and in that connection a notification being No. 14/6/95-DP Annexure- A/l was issued which is reproduced below:-