HC restrains SSB from selection process till Govt’s final decision

Petition challenging contract to Aptech for SI, JE exams

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Aug 31: High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has disposed of a petition challenging contract to Aptech for Sub-Inspector and Junior Engineer exams with the direction to the Service Selection Board not to proceed with the selection process till the final decision is taken by the Government.
After hearing Advocate Rohit Matoo for the petitioners whereas AAG Amit Gupta for the UT, Justice Moksha Khajuria Kazmi also directed that Chief Secretary shall take a decision on the basis of the report/recommendations made by the Review Committee within a period of ten days.
“Though the instant petition is only based on allegations and apprehensions but the appointments to public posts should be made strictly in consonance with Articles 14 and 16 of the Constitution of India. A fair and reasonable process is a fundamental requirement of equality of opportunity”, High Court said, adding “as on date, no prejudice has been caused to the petitioners but they have an apprehension of adverse consequences from the selection process conducted by the respondents”.
“The grievance of the petitioners has already been taken note of by the Government by constituting the Review Committee to look into the conduct of JKSSB and M/s Aptech Ltd, in order to build confidence of the aspirants. The Review Committee should have submitted the report by now, which could have either washed away the apprehensions of the petitioners or enhanced faith in the respondents”, High Court said while refraining from exercising its extraordinary jurisdiction under Article 226 of the Constitution of India”.