Himachal High Court dismisses petition to intervene in HPPSC selection process
Shimla, July 19
The Himachal High Court has dismissed a petition filed by the NGO People for Responsible Governance, seeking directions to the HP Public Service Commission (HPPSC) and other recruitment agencies and departments of the State Government to introduce rules and guidelines for conducting video recordings of all selection processes, including tests and interviews.
A Division Bench, comprising Chief Justice M.S. Ramachandra Rao and Justice Ajay Mohan Goel, passed the order on the petitioner’s request.
The petitioner raised concerns about alleged unfairness in the selection process conducted by various recruitment agencies and departments. They provided instances where controversies surrounded recruitments made by the Public Service Commissions, Subordinate Service Selection Board, and other recruitment agencies. The petitioner urged the respondents to frame rules/guidelines for video recording all selection processes, including tests and interviews.
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In response, the State Government submitted that the decision to implement video recordings during selection processes should be left to the discretion of the agencies. They emphasized that the HPPSC, being a Constitutional body, is well aware of its responsibilities, and any decision related to this matter should be taken by the commission.
The H.P. Public Service Commission argued that it already has its own rules of business in place, and selections are made based on the recruitment rules of concerned departments. H.P. University, Shimla, Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur, and Y.S. Parmar University, Nauni, defended their selection processes, asserting that they are fair, transparent, and follow prescribed procedures.
The respondents acknowledged that video recording is carried out during written tests for selection to various posts. However, they raised objections regarding video recording interviews. One such objection was that interactions and discussions between the interview panel and candidates are confidential. Making the interview content public would compromise the sanctity of the interview process, potentially leading to unnecessary litigation.
Considering the concerns expressed by the State Public Service Commission and acknowledging its constitutional position, the Court ruled that no relief can be granted to the petitioner.
Furthermore, all respondents stated that they adhere to a notification issued by the State Government on 17th April 2017, which dispensed with the practice of conducting interviews in the selection process for all Class-II and Class-IV posts.
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