High Court Quashes Communication and Orders Fresh Appointment in Challenged Selection Process
In a significant ruling, the High Court of Judicature at Bombay, Bench at Aurangabad, has quashed a communication and ordered the issuance of a fresh appointment in a selection process that faced allegations of lack of transparency and illegality. The judgment was pronounced on 7th July 2023 by Justices Mangesh S. Patil and Shailesh P. Brahme.
The petitioner, Vishal Bahiram, had challenged the communication issued by the Divisional Joint Registrar of Co-operative Societies and the appointment order given to respondent no. 5. Claiming to be more meritorious, the petitioner sought a reconsideration of his appointment and disciplinary action against the responsible party.
Citing irregularities in the selection process, the court observed, “There is no transparency in the selection of respondent no. 5… No convincing material was produced by the bank which was within its custody to justify the appointment of respondent no. 5” (Para 16). Furthermore, it questioned the deviation from the specified mode of online correspondence and found no reason to serve appointment orders via ordinary post (Para 18).
In its verdict, the court quashed the challenged communication, ordered the issuance of an appointment order in favor of the petitioner, and directed the respondent no. 4/bank to consider the claim of respondent no. 5 for another post. The judgment emphasized the need for transparency and fairness in the selection process.
This ruling highlights the judiciary’s commitment to upholding principles of transparency and fairness in appointments. It serves as a reminder that procedural integrity must be maintained to ensure equal opportunities for all candidates.
Date of Decision: 07 July, 2023
Vishal vs State of Maharashtra
