Case Note & Summary
The case involved a challenge to the Karnataka Civil Services (Validation of Selection and Appointment of 2011 Batch Gazetted Probationers) Act, 2022, which aimed to validate a recruitment process marred by corruption and nepotism. The recruitment notification was issued in 2011 for 362 posts, but the process was halted due to allegations of manipulation and irregularities. The High Court upheld the cancellation of the recruitment, which was subsequently challenged in the Supreme Court. The appellants argued that the Act of 2022 nullified the Supreme Court's earlier decisions, while the State contended that it was necessary to relieve hardship for selected candidates. The Court found that the Act was unconstitutional as it attempted to override judicial decisions and upheld the integrity of the recruitment process. The Court directed the State to notify new recruitment for the vacant posts, allowing age relaxation for the appellants and other eligible candidates, while clarifying that any new appointments would not entitle candidates to back wages or notional appointments. The appeals were allowed, and the earlier judgments were set aside (Paras 1-21).
Headnote
A) Constitutional Law - Unconstitutionality of Legislation - The Karnataka Civil Services (Validation of Selection and Appointment of 2011 Batch Gazetted Probationers) Act, 2022 was found unconstitutional as it attempted to nullify prior judgments of the Constitutional Courts regarding a tainted recruitment process. The Court held that the legislature cannot override judicial decisions and that the Act was beyond the scope of legislative powers, thus setting it aside (Paras 17-19).
Issue of Consideration
Whether the Karnataka Civil Services (Validation of Selection and Appointment of 2011 Batch Gazetted Probationers) Act, 2022 is constitutional and whether the recruitment process can be resumed.
Final Decision
The Supreme Court found the Karnataka Civil Services (Validation of Selection and Appointment of 2011 Batch Gazetted Probationers) Act, 2022 unconstitutional and set it aside. The Court directed the State to notify new recruitment for vacant posts, allowing age relaxation for the appellants and other eligible candidates, with seniority based on the date of new appointments.
Law Points
- unconstitutional legislation
- validation of selection
- recruitment process integrity
- public interest litigation
- age relaxation in recruitment
