In a significant development, the Supreme Court of India has agreed to hear a petition challenging the Allahabad High Court’s decision that ordered the cancellation of the appointment of 69,000 assistant teachers in Uttar Pradesh. The controversy revolves around allegations of non-compliance with reservation rules during the recruitment process.
The Allahabad High Court’s Lucknow bench had issued the order on August 13, directing the Uttar Pradesh government to issue a new merit list, effectively nullifying the previous appointments. The Supreme Court appeal, initiated by a group of selected general category candidates, argues that the selection process was transparent and adhered to the reservation norms established under the Uttar Pradesh Public Service (SC, ST, and OBC Reservation) Act, 1994, and the Uttar Pradesh Basic Education Rules, 1981. These rules stipulate reservation quotas of 27% for OBCs, 21% for SCs, and 2% for STs.
Petitioner Ravi Saxena further highlighted additional reservations as per a government order dated September 25, 2018, which provides for 4% reservation for persons with disabilities, 2% for freedom fighter dependents, 5% for ex-servicemen, and 20% for women under the relevant legislation.
The petition argues that there is no necessity to recreate the merit list and contends that the High Court’s decision, if implemented, would place undue financial burdens on thousands of general category candidates and their families, many of whom have been serving as teachers based on the existing merit list for several years. It raises concerns about the potential violation of the right to a dignified life under Article 21 of the Constitution, should the appointments be revoked.
