Rajasthan HC upholds cancellation of 2021 SI recruitment, selected candidates face uncertainty

The Rajasthan High Court has upheld the cancellation of the 2021 Sub-Inspector (SI) recruitment examination, dealing a significant setback to hundreds of candidates whose selection now stands invalidated amid proven allegations of malpractice.

The division bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma and Justice Sangeeta Sharma endorsed an earlier order by Justice Samir Jain, who had annulled the examination citing large-scale irregularities, including a paper leak and impersonation. The court observed that the recruitment process conducted by the Rajasthan Public Service Commission was fundamentally compromised, leaving no scope to salvage the results.

The recruitment drive, announced in 2021 for 859 posts, had come under scrutiny after allegations of question paper leaks surfaced. The probe, handled by the Special Operations Group (SOG) of the Rajasthan Police, led to the arrest of over 50 trainee sub-inspectors and several intermediaries suspected of facilitating the leak.

Reaction of Selected Candidates

Selected candidates, many of whom had already undergone training, expressed deep distress and frustration over the court’s decision. Several maintained that they had cleared the examination through legitimate means and should not be penalised for the misconduct of others.

Candidates argued that the blanket cancellation fails to distinguish between those involved in malpractice and those who were not. Some have indicated plans to explore legal remedies, including approaching the Supreme Court of India for relief.

A section of candidates also highlighted the personal and financial toll of the decision, noting that they had resigned from previous jobs or invested years in preparation. They have urged authorities to consider alternative solutions, such as segregating tainted candidates or conducting a re-evaluation, rather than scrapping the entire recruitment.

Despite these concerns, the court maintained that the scale of irregularities rendered the process irredeemable, prioritising the integrity of public recruitment over individual claims.