GURMIT SINGH Vs. STATE OF PUNJAB

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioner is aggrieved by the action of the Punjab Public Service Commission (hereinafter referred to as 'the Commission') in not treating him as a member of the backward classes. A few facts relevant for decision of this, case may be noticed:

(2.) The petitioner, who belongs to the Lohar caste, was appointed as a Field Assistant in the office of the Economic and Statistical Organisation, Punjab, on July 9, 1968. He was promoted as Statistical Assistant on August 12,1986. On November 27, 1987, the Commission advertised 8 posts of Research Officer/District Statistical Officer in the Punjab Economic and Statistical Organisation (State Service Class II). One of these posts was reserved for the members of backward classes. The petitioner applied for the post. He was considered by the Commission and was not selected. The grievance of the petitioner is that he should have been treated as a member of the backward class and that action of the Commission and was not selected. The grievance of the petitioner is that he should have been treated as a member of the backward class and that action of the Commission in not considering him against thd solitary post reserved for the members of that class is arbitrary and violative of Articles 14 and 16 of the Constitution. On this premises, the petitioner has filed the present petition.

(3.) In the written statement filed on behalf of the respondents, it has been inter alia pointed out that the petitioner does not qualify to be treated as a member of the backward classes inasmuch as he is already employed and has an income of more than Rs.3,600/- per annum. Copies of the relevant instructions issued by the State Government in this behalf have been produced along with the written statement.