In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court of India has upheld the High Court judgement in a case involving Mr. K. Rajashekhara Reddy and the Writ Petitioner. This ruling marks a significant victory for both individuals, ensuring justice is served. The court’s decision paves the way for a fair resolution to a long-standing legal battle. #SupremeCourt #LegalVictory #IndianJudiciary
Facts
- Mr. K. Rajashekhara Reddy’s case was allowed by the High Court, Telangana on 06.04.2021.
- Petitioner applied for a re-medical test scheduled for 14.07.2015 but did not appear as he assumed the selection process was complete.
- A consolidated reserve list of 126 candidates was published on 19.01.2016 for filling up remaining posts.
- Prayer for allocation of service against Civil Services Examination, 2014 was rejected.
- Petitioner was declared ‘temporarily unfit’ due to BMI exceeding prescribed standard.
- Union of India challenged High Court’s judgment through a Special Leave Petition which was directed for re-medical by this Court on 14.06.2022.
- UPSC published final result on 04.07.2015 with petitioner’s name not appearing.
- Petitioner approached High Court of Patna questioning the decision.
- Petitioner’s case status remained as ‘Unfit for all Services’ as per Civil Services Examination Rules, 2014.
- Petitioner’s hope turned into a claim of right post publication of consolidated list on 19.01.2016 where less meritorious candidates were allocated service.
- Petitioner qualified in Prelims, Mains, and Interview securing rank 93.
- The Tribunal dismissed petitioner’s Application based on its previous decision regarding Mr. K. Rajashekhara Reddy.
- The Court, using Article 142 of the Constitution of India, directed consideration of K. Rajashekhara Reddy for appointment with all benefits except salary for the period not worked.
- Following this decision, dated 14.06.2022, the petitioner withdrew the Writ Petition from the Patna High Court to seek similar treatment from the Authorities.
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Arguments
- Mr. K. Rajashekhara Reddy missed a medical re-examination similar to the Writ Petitioner.
- Mr. K. Rajashekhara Reddy’s prayer was accepted by the High Court.
- This Court did not interfere with the Order while exercising jurisdiction under Article 142 of the Constitution of India.
- Mr. K. Rajashekhara Reddy was 38 years old when granted relief by this Court and had exhausted all attempts for Civil Services Exams.
- The petitioner is 35 years old and has also exhausted all attempts for the exams.
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Analysis
- Limited relief granted based on facts and circumstances of the case
- Consideration of appropriate relief based on the case
- Judgment focuses on granting relief in a restricted manner
- The original re-medical examination was scheduled for 2015, but almost a decade has passed since then.
- If the petitioner qualifies in the re-medical examination, he cannot claim appointment in the 2014 Batch.
- The petitioner will not be entitled to seniority in the Batch that he could potentially be appointed in.
- The court directs the respondents to reschedule the missed re-medical test from 14.07.2015.
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Decision
- The court has not awarded costs in this case.
- Upon clearing the re-medical test, if the petitioner is given an appointment, his services will start from the date of appointment.
- The court has invoked Article 142 of the Constitution of India to render complete justice in this unique case.
- This judgment is not to be considered a precedent in any future cases.
- The writ petition has been partly allowed, and the petitioner has been directed to undergo a re-medical test within four weeks.
Case Title: RAKSHIT SHIVAM PRAKASH Vs. UNION OF INDIA (2024 INSC 569)
Case Number: W.P.(C) No.-000890 – 2023
