Overlapping Work Experience Not Enough to Reject Anganwadi Worker’s Appointment: Delhi High Court Dismisses Age Limit Challenge

Delhi High Court, in Govt. of NCT of Delhi vs. Parmila Devi, upheld the Central Administrative Tribunal’s order allowing age relaxation for Parmila Devi, a former Anganwadi Worker, whose candidature for the post of Supervisor Grade-II had been rejected due to age limit concerns. The Court found no reason to interfere with the Tribunal’s decision, which accepted the validity of her overlapping work experience at two different organizations.

Parmila Devi applied for the post of Supervisor Grade-II (Female) under a recruitment drive by the Delhi Subordinate Services Selection Board (DSSSB). Despite clearing the selection process, her application was rejected on the grounds that she was over-age. Parmila Devi had claimed age relaxation based on her 10 years of service as an Anganwadi Worker, but the DSSSB questioned her overlapping work experience certificates and rejected both. Parmila Devi approached the Central Administrative Tribunal, which ruled in her favor, prompting the DSSSB to file a writ petition before the Delhi High Court.

Whether the overlapping work experience certificates submitted by the respondent disqualified her from receiving age relaxation.

Whether the rejection of her candidature based on age limit grounds was valid.

The Court found that the respondent had sufficiently explained the overlapping work experience at an NGO and as an Anganwadi Worker. The Tribunal had accepted her explanation that the roles did not conflict because the Anganwadi position required part-time service, allowing her to work at both places. The Court noted that the DSSSB had failed to verify the certificates properly before rejecting her application.

The Court emphasized that the respondent’s service as an Anganwadi Worker should have been appropriately considered for age relaxation, as per the recruitment guidelines. It rejected the argument that her certificates were submitted too late, noting that the DSSSB had previously accepted them for consideration.

The Delhi High Court dismissed the writ petition, upholding the Tribunal’s order. It ruled that the respondent was entitled to age relaxation and directed the DSSSB to verify her certificates and, if validated, to issue her an appointment for the post of Supervisor Grade-II. The Court affirmed that the rejection of her candidature based on age limit concerns was arbitrary.

The Delhi High Court reinforced the principle that age relaxation should be applied fairly, especially when applicants provide sufficient explanations for overlapping work experience. Parmila Devi’s candidature was restored, pending verification of her certificates.

Date of Decision: October 3, 2024

Govt. of NCT of Delhi vs. Parmila Devi