Court Grants One-Time Opportunity to Candidates Missing PET Due to Genuine Reasons, Imposes Financial Conditions
In a significant ruling, the Rajasthan High Court's Jaipur Bench has granted a one-time opportunity for rescheduling the Physical Efficiency Test (PET) in the recruitment process for Sub-Inspector/Platoon Commander posts. The decision came in response to a batch of petitions led by Ajay Sharma, where candidates were unable to attend the PET due to bona fide reasons such as ill-health, injuries, pregnancy, and uncontrollable events like heavy rains.
Presided over by Mr. Justice Sameer Jain, the court acknowledged the petitioners' genuine inability to participate in the PET, scheduled between August 3-12, 2026. The judgment emphasized that the candidates had no intention of missing the test deliberately, and their absence was due to unavoidable circumstances.
The court ruled under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, asserting its extraordinary and equitable jurisdiction, to grant relief without reopening the entire recruitment process. The rescheduled PET is to be held at a single designated center in September 2026, with candidates, except those Below Poverty Line (BPL), required to deposit Rs. 10,000 as compensation for the organizational expenses.
The court's directive mandates candidates to submit applications for rescheduling within seven working days from the judgment's publication, ensuring no further relaxation is provided beyond this singular opportunity. The judgment also clarified that this decision is specific to the current case and not a precedent for future cases.
The court's decision balances the candidates' genuine difficulties with the logistical and financial constraints on the State, ensuring that the recruitment process remains fair and just.
Bottom Line :
Recruitment Process - Physical Efficiency Test (PET) - Candidates unable to attend due to bona fide reasons such as ill-health, injuries, and force majeure events like heavy rains - Court grants one-time relaxation for rescheduling PET on equitable grounds.
Statutory provision(s): Article 226 of the Constitution of India
Ajay Sharma v. State of Rajasthan, (Rajasthan)(Jaipur Bench) : Law Finder Doc id # 2964213
