Supreme Court Upholds Punjab And Haryana High Court’s Decision Declaring Haryana Government’s Socio-Economic Reservation Unconstitutional

In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court of India has dismissed the Haryana government’s petition challenging the Punjab and Haryana High Court’s decision to annul the state’s policy of awarding five additional marks on socio-economic grounds in government job appointments. This decision by the Supreme Court will directly impact the appointment of 23,000 youth in Haryana.

The order was delivered by a vacation bench comprising Justice Abhay S Oka and Justice Rajesh Bindal, who upheld the High Court’s earlier verdict that declared the Haryana government’s policy unconstitutional. The High Court had initially struck down the provision that granted five bonus marks to candidates from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds in Group C and D appointments under the Haryana Staff Selection Commission.

Background of the Case

The policy in question was intended to benefit candidates from families with no members in government employment and with low family incomes. This reservation aimed to provide additional marks to these applicants, enhancing their prospects in securing government jobs.

However, the policy faced legal challenges, with petitioners arguing that it violated constitutional principles. The petitioners contended that the Haryana government’s approach to providing socio-economic reservations was unconstitutional, as it granted preferential treatment based on criteria not recognized by the Constitution.

High Court’s Ruling

The Punjab and Haryana High Court, in its decision, concluded that no state possesses the authority to confer such benefits exclusively to its residents based on socio-economic criteria. The High Court deemed the Haryana government’s policy of awarding five extra marks unconstitutional, emphasizing that such reservations contravened constitutional provisions.

Supreme Court’s Verdict

The Supreme Court’s dismissal of the Haryana government’s petition reinforces the High Court’s stance. By upholding the High Court’s ruling, the Supreme Court has confirmed that the policy of awarding bonus marks on socio-economic grounds cannot stand.

Also read: Supreme Court Provides Conditional Relief to Odisha Administrative Officer Bijay Ketan Sahu in Anticipatory Bail Plea

Implications

This ruling has significant implications for the 23,000 youths awaiting appointment under this policy. The Supreme Court’s decision ensures that the merit-based appointment process remains free from additional socio-economic reservations that lack constitutional backing.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court’s decision marks a pivotal moment in the discourse on socio-economic reservations in India. By affirming the unconstitutionality of the Haryana government’s policy, the court has underscored the importance of adhering to constitutional principles in state-level employment policies. The ruling not only impacts thousands of job aspirants in Haryana but also sets a precedent for similar policies across the country.

As the state government and affected individuals navigate the consequences of this judgment, the ruling reaffirms the judiciary’s role in upholding constitutional values and ensuring fair and equitable employment practices.