STATE OF PUNJAB Vs. SUKHWINDER SINGH

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This order shall dispose of LPA Nos. 470, 471 & 596 of 2013 which are directed against the order dated 19.11.2012 passed by learned Single Judge whereby a bunch of writ petitions involving common question of law have been allowed. The question that arises for consideration is whether the respondent/ex-servicemen are within the age limit prescribed for recruitment to the post of Constables in Punjab Police?

(2.) With a view to appreciate the controversy, the following facts in respect of one of the respondents, namely, Sukhwinder Singh S/o. Kirpal Singh (in LPA No. 596 of 2013) may be noticed on illustrative basis.

(3.) The first respondent was born on 03.05.1968. He joined the Indian Army as a Sepoy on 23.09.1986. He was discharged from the Army on 31.03.2007 after serving for a period of 20 years 6 months and 8 days. He applied for the post of Constable in response to the advertisement dated 12.09.2010 (Annexure P7) issued for recruitment of 5578 Constables in Punjab Police in District Police Cadre, out of which 13% posts were reserved for Ex-servicemen. Clause 4(b) of the advertisement pertaining to the minimum age limit reads as follows:-