Deputy Collector Sonam Kumari Moves Jharkhand High Court, Challenges 13th JPSC Examination

The future of Deputy Collector Sonam Kumari and nearly 200 other officers appointed on the basis of the 13th Jharkhand State Civil Services Competitive Examination has come under fresh uncertainty. Sonam Kumari has approached the Jharkhand High Court challenging the examination process and seeking the cancellation of the notification related to the recruitment.

The petition has been filed by advocate Saurav Anand on behalf of Sonam Kumari. The plea alleges serious irregularities in the examination process and challenges the results of the examination held on January 1, 2024, as well as the appointments made on the basis of those results.

Quit previous job after selection, later removed from service

According to the petition, Sonam Kumari had been working in Bihar before being selected through the 13th JPSC examination. After her selection, she resigned from her previous job and joined the Jharkhand government as a Deputy Collector.

The state government issued her appointment letter on November 24, 2025. She subsequently left her earlier employment to take up the new position in Jharkhand.

However, questions surrounding the examination and recruitment process later put her appointment under a cloud. She was subsequently relieved from service. She has now moved the High Court, challenging the examination process and seeking relief in connection with her appointment.

The case highlights the difficulties faced by candidates who resigned from previous jobs or made major career decisions after being selected through the JPSC examination. Any cancellation of the examination or its results could have significant consequences for such candidates.

Nearly 200 appointed officers affected

The outcome of the case could have wider implications for around 200 officers appointed through the 13th JPSC examination. The selected candidates were appointed to various government posts, and several of them have already undergone official training.

Many of the officers received training at institutions including the Sri Krishna Institute of Public Administration and other training centres. After completing institutional training, some were sent to different districts for field training, while others were still undergoing training when questions were raised over the validity of the examination process.

The latest petition has therefore added to the uncertainty surrounding their appointments. One of the key questions before the authorities and the court is what will happen to officers who have already been appointed and trained if the examination or its results are eventually cancelled.

Newly appointed officers arrive in Ranchi

The developments have also caused concern among the newly appointed officers. Several of them have reportedly started arriving in Ranchi to understand the legal situation and explore the options available to them.

The High Court's proceedings will now be closely watched by the candidates and the government. The court's decision on the petition could have a significant bearing on the future of the 13th JPSC examination, as well as the appointments made through it.