INTRODUCTION
In a recent decision, the Supreme Court of India emphasized the need for transparency in recruitment processes by mandating the preservation of answer scripts until the entire selection process is complete. This ruling aims to prevent allegations of misconduct and ensure that all candidates have the opportunity to fairly challenge the selection results if necessary. The judgment addresses growing concerns over malpractice in public recruitment, seeking to enhance the credibility of the system.
BACKGROUND
The issue of handling answer scripts has long been a contentious one, with numerous cases brought before the courts by candidates alleging irregularities in the recruitment process. In many instances, answer scripts were destroyed before the completion of the selection process, preventing aggrieved candidates from challenging their evaluation or seeking redressal. The Supreme Court took cognizance of these issues and issued a directive to ensure that answer scripts are preserved until all stages of recruitment, including dispute resolution, are completed.
KEY ASPECTS
The Court underscored the necessity of maintaining answer scripts throughout the entire recruitment process to uphold fairness. By ensuring the availability of answer scripts until the completion of the selection process, authorities can prevent allegations of bias and misconduct.
The ruling pointed out that preserving answer scripts benefits both the examining authorities and candidates. For authorities, it ensures that they have documentary evidence to defend their evaluation in case of disputes. For candidates, it provides an opportunity to review and, if required, contest the evaluation, thus protecting their right to a fair recruitment process.
The judgment also highlighted that the premature destruction of answer scripts not only violates the rights of the candidates but also undermines public trust in the recruitment process. To address this, the Supreme Court directed recruitment bodies to retain answer scripts until all stages, including any disputes or litigation, are fully resolved.
CONCLUSION
The Supreme Court’s directive to preserve answer scripts until the completion of the selection process is a significant step toward promoting transparency and accountability in public recruitment. By mandating this measure, the Court aims to protect the rights of candidates and uphold the principles of fairness and justice. This ruling is expected to restore public confidence in recruitment processes and ensure that authorities conduct evaluations in a transparent and unbiased manner.
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WRITTEN MY : ABHISHEK AIYAPPA
