Case Note & Summary
The dispute arose from the cancellation of a recruitment process for Constables by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) after candidates, including the respondent, were selected and underwent medical tests. The CBI had invited applications for 134 Constable positions, and after the selection process, the respondent was informed of his selection. However, the CBI later cancelled the selection due to allegations of irregularities and favoritism, leading to legal challenges. The respondent filed an application before the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) which was dismissed, prompting an appeal to the Kerala High Court. The High Court found that while some irregularities existed, they did not warrant the cancellation of the entire selection process, as only 31 candidates were identified as ineligible. The High Court directed the CBI to correct the select list based on the Committee's findings. The CBI appealed this decision, arguing that the cancellation was justified due to discrepancies in the evaluation process. The Supreme Court, upon reviewing the case, upheld the High Court's decision, stating that the CBI's cancellation was arbitrary and disproportionate, as the majority of candidates were not found to have any issues with their selection. The Court dismissed the appeal and ordered the CBI to complete the appointments within 60 days.
Headnote
A) Administrative Law - Recruitment Process - Cancellation of Selection - Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Act, 1946 - The CBI cancelled the selection process for Constables citing irregularities in evaluation, but the High Court found the cancellation arbitrary as only 31 candidates were ineligible, allowing the appeal and directing correction of the select list. Held that the decision to cancel the entire selection was unreasonable and disproportionate (Paras 1-3).
Issue of Consideration
Whether the cancellation of the entire selection process for Constables by the CBI was justified.
Final Decision
The Supreme Court dismissed the appeal, upheld the High Court's order, and directed the CBI to complete the appointments within 60 days.
Law Points
- Administrative law
- recruitment process
- cancellation of selection
- judicial review
- principles of proportionality
