The Supreme Court has issued a directive to police authorities across all states, mandating the verification of documents related to character, antecedents, and nationality of individuals appointed to government jobs within six months from their appointment date. This order aims to standardize the vetting process for government positions to ensure only qualified candidates secure these roles.
The ruling came as part of a judgment delivered by Justices J.K. Maheshwari and R. Mahadevan on December 5, concerning the case of an ophthalmic assistant whose appointment was terminated just two months before his retirement. The bench highlighted the need for timely verification to avoid complications, as evidenced by the petitioner’s prolonged unverified status which eventually led to his premature termination.
The petitioner, who had joined public service on March 6, 1985, faced termination after a delayed police verification report, dated July 7, 2010, incorrectly questioned his citizenship—mere months before his due retirement.
“The factual circumstances of this case necessitate a directive to all state police officials to ensure that verification reports concerning the character, antecedents, nationality, and document genuineness of government job appointees are completed and submitted within six months from their appointment,” stated the bench.
The apex court’s decision underscores the importance of a systematic and expedient process in confirming the credentials of government employees, a move set to regularize appointments and uphold integrity within public service roles.
