The Supreme Court of India recently reprimanded the Kerala Public Service Commission (KPSC) for taking an inconsistent approach toward job eligibility criteria. This strong criticism arose in response to a case where KPSC’s changing stance on qualifications for a specific government position affected several applicants’ chances.
Background:
The issue began when certain candidates applied for government roles under eligibility criteria that were later altered by the KPSC. Applicants argued that these changes were applied arbitrarily, impacting their selection unfairly. This inconsistency led some candidates to take legal action, bringing the case before the Supreme Court.
Court’s Rationale:
The Supreme Court pointed out that such inconsistent application of rules by a public service commission creates confusion and undermines public trust in recruitment processes. The court emphasized the need for transparency and consistency in eligibility requirements to ensure fairness and avoid arbitrary exclusion of candidates.
Existing Measures:
The Supreme Court highlighted that public service commissions, like KPSC, have a duty to uphold established rules consistently. Arbitrary modifications to eligibility standards could violate applicants’ rights, especially if they have relied on previously published criteria.
Conclusion:
The court’s criticism is a reminder to public service institutions to adhere strictly to established guidelines when determining job eligibility. KPSC’s inconsistent approach was viewed as detrimental to fair recruitment practices, underscoring the judiciary’s commitment to transparent and consistent governance practices.