THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
New Delhi, Sept 11: The Supreme Court has delivered a significant verdict on reservation, clarifying that candidates who avail benefits of relaxations under reservation during the recruitment process cannot be considered for selection in the General category if the recruitment rules do not allow it.
The ruling came in the case related to the SSC Constable (GD) recruitment and is expected to have a major impact on future competitive exams and appointments.
Selection in General category possible only without availing relaxations
The Court stated that this decision will not be limited to SSC Constable recruitment alone but could also extend to other government examinations and jobs where relaxations are provided. It often happens that candidates belonging to OBC, SC, or ST categories score marks high enough for General seats.
However, following this ruling, they can be considered for General category selection only if they have appeared in the examination without availing any relaxation.
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Background of the case
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) had conducted the Constable (GD) recruitment exam. Some candidates belonging to SC, ST, or OBC categories participated after availing benefits such as exam fee exemption, relaxation in age limits, or concessions in cut-off marks.
After the results were announced, some of these candidates claimed eligibility for selection in General category seats as they had scored sufficient marks. However, the recruitment rules clearly stated that those availing any relaxation would only be considered for their respective reserved category seats. The matter eventually reached the Supreme Court after being challenged at different levels.
Supreme Court’s observation
Dismissing the candidates’ arguments, the Supreme Court upheld that the rules were unambiguous. If a candidate avails benefits provided under reservation during the recruitment process, they cannot be treated as part of the General competition.
The Court noted that this interpretation of rules is intended to maintain transparency and fairness in the selection process.
The bench further remarked that General category seats are open to all candidates who clear the exam on merit without availing any special concessions. If candidates take advantage of relaxations in age, fees, or cut-off, the playing field is no longer level. Hence, such candidates cannot claim selection under the General category.
