Court Upholds Principles of Natural Justice, Allows Continuation of Employment During Investigation
In a significant judgment, the Jharkhand High Court, presided over by Justice Deepak Roshan, has granted interim relief to the petitioners in the case of Saurav Singh and others versus the State of Jharkhand. The court has stayed a controversial government notification that sought to cancel the recruitment process and terminate the services of Food Safety Officers appointed under Advertisement No. 18 of 2023.
The petitioners, represented by a team of advocates including Mr. Indrajit Sinha and Mr. Amritansh Vats, challenged the notification dated August 18, 2026, which abruptly canceled their appointments without adherence to the principles of natural justice. The petitioners argued that they were duly appointed through a legitimate recruitment process and that their termination was executed without any due process.
The State, represented by Senior Additional Advocate General Mr. Achyut Keshav, defended the notification citing allegations of mass irregularities in the recruitment process. The court was informed that an in-depth investigation by the Crime Investigation Department (CID) was underway, with several arrests already made.
Justice Roshan, after considering the submissions from both parties, observed that the principles of natural justice must be upheld in employment matters. The court noted that there was no concrete evidence presented by the respondents to demonstrate the involvement of specific candidates in corrupt practices.
In its order, the court emphasized that regular appointments cannot be disturbed or terminated without following due process. Consequently, the court stayed the implementation of the cancellation notification, allowing the affected individuals to continue their work until the final disposal of the writ application.
The court also directed the respondents to file a detailed counter-affidavit outlining the progress of the ongoing investigation. The case has been scheduled for further hearing on September 15, 2026.
Additionally, the court mandated that the petitioners submit an affidavit or undertaking confirming that they would abide by the final order in the related criminal case. The government is permitted to take appropriate legal action based on the trial court's decision.
This judgment reinforces the importance of procedural fairness and the adherence to natural justice in administrative actions, especially in matters involving employment and public service appointments.
Bottom Line:
Recruitment process cannot be cancelled and appointments terminated without following the principles of natural justice. Stay granted on the cancellation notification.
Statutory provision(s): Principles of Natural Justice, Interim Relief
Saurav Singh v. State of Jharkhand, (Jharkhand) : Law Finder Doc id # 2965135
