RAJINDER KAUR Vs. STATE OF PUNJAB

JUDGEMENT

(1.) In this petition, selection and appointment of 43 Class-IV employees including respondents No. 3 to 10 and 1 to 32 subsequently added respondents is under challenge on the plea that the petitioners even though were more meritorious and experienced than selectees but were ignored. Claiming that interviews were held on 11/12.12.1996 by a Committee of three persons where the petitioners had also appeared, it is averred that the selection was neither made on merits nor was genuine and rather was laced with vires of favouritism. Few selectees were named by them. It is claimed that they did not have any experience, naming others it is mentioned that they are close acquaintances of persons who had also been named therein. It was further explained that few of the selectees were not even registered with Employment Exchanges and certificate of one was alleged to be bogus. Citing these circumstances as vitiating ones, it is further claimed that there were only 34 vacancies whereas 43 were appointed.

(2.) Claim of the petitioners has been challenged not only by respondents No. 1 and 2 in their joint written statement but also by respondents No. 3 to 4 and 6 to 10 who have preferred to file yet another written statement. Written statement from respondent No. 27 has also been filed separately.

(3.) The selection was made as per procedure and the rules. Further claim is that requisition had been sent to the Employment Exchanges when simultaneously process of selection of 15 sweepers and 24 Class-IV posts was initiated. Clarifying that neither any favouritism was done nor any violation of rules and procedure was made, legality and validity of appointments made, has been asserted. It was explained that 14 Class-IV and five sweepers already working on ad-hoc basis had also been selected. Private respondents have also asserted validity of the appointments made completely denouncing the allegations of the petitioners. It is claimed that merit, experience, higher qualifications were given due weight and no favouritism was done. Dismissal of the petition was sought.