AJAY THIND Vs. STATE OF PUNJAB

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The rejection of the candidature of the petitioner - Ajay Thind, for the post of Mechanical Engineer by the Punjab Public Service Commission (hereinafter referred to as the Commission) is what is sought to be challenged in writ proceedings here.

(2.) On October 18, 1986, the Commission issued an advertisement inviting applications, for 100 temporary posts of Engineers for appointment in the Punjab Public Works Department (Irrigation Branch), including 10 posts of Engineers in the speciality of Mechanical Engineer. As per this advertisement, one of the essential qualifications for these posts was knowledge of Punjabi of Metric or equivalent standard. It was, however, also mentioned therein "one who does not possess the said qualification in Punjabi, shall have to acquire such qualification within six months of his/her joining service failing which his/her services shall be liable to be terminated".

(3.) It was in response to this advertisement that the petitioner Ajay Thind, had applied for one of the posts of Mechanical Engineers. Admittedly, the petitioner did not, at that time, fulfil the requisite qualification regarding knowledge of Punjabi, but he applied for the post believing himself to be eligible in view of the proviso to the effect that if selected, he could acquire this qualification within six months of joining service.