Supreme Court Reiterates That Recruitment Criteria Cannot Be Changed After Final Evaluation -

Supreme Court of India

The Supreme Court has ruled that recruitment bodies cannot alter selection criteria after the final evaluation stage. The judgment, involving JKSSB’s Forester recruitment, reinforces fairness and prohibits changing the “rules of the game” post-interviews.

Introduction

In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court of India reaffirmed that recruitment authorities cannot modify selection criteria after the completion of the evaluation process.

The judgment came in a case involving the Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB), where changes were made after interviews had already been conducted.

Background of the Case

The dispute arose from a recruitment notification issued to fill 38 Forester posts.

Minimum qualification: 10+2 with Science
Specified physical standards
Additional weightage for B.Sc. Forestry degree

Initially, the evaluation scheme awarded equal marks for candidates holding a B.Sc. Forestry degree.

However, after the interview stage, the Board revised the criteria by introducing a distinction:

3-year B.Sc. Forestry degree: 20 marks
4-year B.Sc. Forestry degree: 25 marks

This change directly affected candidates who had already participated in the selection process.

Legal Challenge

Affected candidates challenged the revised criteria before the High Court, arguing that:

Selection rules were altered after completion of interviews
All candidates satisfied the same eligibility conditions
The change unfairly reduced their chances of selection

While the Single Judge dismissed the petition, the Division Bench allowed the appeal, holding that such changes were impermissible at a late stage.

Supreme Court’s Observations

Selection criteria must remain fixed once the process begins
Changes after the final evaluation stage are arbitrary and unfair
Distinguishing between similar qualifications post-interview is impermissible
Administrative actions must adhere to principles of fairness and transparency

The Court reiterated that the “rules of the game” cannot be changed after the selection process has reached its final stage.

Final Outcome

Appeal by JKSSB dismissed
High Court decision upheld
Post-interview changes in criteria declared invalid

Significance of the Judgment

Strengthens fairness in public recruitment
Prevents arbitrary post-evaluation changes
Protects candidate rights during selection processes
Reinforces constitutional principles of equality and transparency

Conclusion

This ruling reinforces the principle that recruitment processes must remain consistent and transparent from start to finish.

By prohibiting changes after the evaluation stage, the Supreme Court has ensured that candidates are judged only on the criteria originally notified, thereby safeguarding fairness in public employment.