MANISH CHANDRA Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THE Union Public Service Commission vide notice-dated 29. 11. 2003 fixed 16. 3. 2004 the date for preliminary Civil Services examination for recruitment to the posts mentioned therein. Clause (iv) of the aforesaid notice allows four chances to a General category candidate for clearing the examination. In respect of Scheduled Caste/scheduled Tribe category candidates, clause (iv) places no restriction on number of attempts for clearing the examination. So far as Other Backward Class category candidates are concerned, Clause (iv) permits them seven chances to clear the examination. THE petitioner, who is a General category candidate, has a grievance with respect to the four chances given to the General category candidates to clear the examination. Learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submits that while the General category candidates have been given four chances to clear the examination, the Scheduled Caste/scheduled Tribe category candidates have been given unlimited chances to clear the examination. According to him this amounts to reverse discrimination. In support of his submission he places reliance on the decision of the Supreme Court in Ajit Singh & Others vs. State of Punjab & Others (1 ).

(2.) WE have considered the submissions of the learned counsel for the petitioner.

(3.) IN the circumstances, we do not find any merit in this writ petition and the same is dismissed. CMS 6223/2003