SC orders fresh medical exam for ST candidate denied JPSC selection

New Delhi — The Supreme Court has ordered the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) to conduct a new medical examination for a Scheduled Tribe candidate who lost her chance at selection in the state civil services due to confusion arising from the recruitment notification.

The directive came from a bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta while hearing a special leave petition filed by Shreya Kumari Tirkey. She had challenged a Jharkhand High Court ruling that upheld JPSC’s decision to cancel her candidature.

The court noted that Tirkey had successfully cleared the prelims, mains, and interview but missed her medical examination because she believed it was scheduled for May 17, 2022, a day after her interview and document verification concluded on May 16. However, JPSC’s advertisement had stated that medical tests would be conducted the day after the interviews, from May 9–16, at Sadar Hospital in Ranchi.

The judges observed that the wording of the notice created genuine ambiguity. They emphasized that such lack of clarity should not result in the extreme penalty of disqualification. “Medical tests only evaluate physical fitness, not merit,” the court said, stressing that the candidate had no reason to skip the exam intentionally.

Highlighting the state’s duty as a model employer, the bench ruled that JPSC must hold a fresh medical exam. If Tirkey qualifies, a supernumerary post must be created for her appointment. She will also be entitled to continuity of service from the date the last candidate joined, but not to back wages.

With inputs from IANS