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Secretary, Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission v. A.B. Natarajan

Civil Appeal · Neutral citation not assigned (Civil Appeal Nos. 5877-78 of 2014)Decided 30 Jun 2014
Civil Appeal Nos. 5877-78 of 2014
Justice Anil R. Dave · Justice Dipak Misra

Background

Candidates challenged recruitment to Tamil Nadu Group I posts, alleging irregularities in answer books and the selection process. Inspection disclosed prohibited inks, pencil marks, religious symbols and blank pages with identifying words. The High Court set aside the selection of candidates responsible for material irregularities, prompting appeals by the Commission and selected candidates.

Decision Breakdown

The Court dismissed the appeals and upheld the High Court's decision. Clear examination instructions protected anonymous marking, and the serious departures could signal candidates' identities to examiners. The Court treated those violations as material to a fair selection process rather than harmless presentation choices. It also rejected the objection that selected candidates lacked an opportunity to appear, because newspaper notices and appointment letters had informed them of the pending litigation. The ruling concerned candidates who committed material irregularities.

Lesson Learnt

Follow examination instructions strictly, especially rules intended to preserve anonymous marking. Identifying symbols or prohibited writing methods can cost a selection even when a candidate has otherwise scored well.

Official source (sci.gov.in)View Judgment (PDF)

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