SUPREME COURT DISMISSES PETITION IN CET-II GROUP-20 RECRUITMENT CASE; PUNJAB AND HARYANA HIGH COURT VERDICT UPHELD

Subash Jindal/Chandigarh 

Chairman, Haryana Staff Selection Commission (HSSC), Sh. Himmat Singh, said that candidates selected under the CET-II Group-20 recruitment have received major relief after the Supreme Court dismissed SLP (C) No. 17373/2026, Subhender and Others vs Haryana Staff Selection Commission. He said the verdict is in the interest of thousands of selected candidates and marks the victory of justice, truth, perseverance, and the hard work, patience and faith of the youth of Haryana..

He said the Special Leave Petition (SLP) was filed against the review decision of the Punjab and Haryana High Court judgment dated March 27, 2026. In its order, the High Court had observed that the recruitment process for 24 groups, including Group-20, had already been completed and the selected candidates had been serving for a considerable period. Therefore, their selection could not be affected without making them parties to the case.

The High Court had also held that the socio-economic marks had no impact on the merit list prepared for calling candidates for CET-II. Therefore, the previous orders regarding the recruitment process and the cancellation of CET results were flawed. The Court further clarified that the directions issued to the Commission would apply only to future recruitments, while the selected and appointed candidates of all 24 groups would continue in service as per law.

Sh. Himmat Singh said that some candidates had challenged the High Court’s review judgment before the Supreme Court and sought a stay on the March 27, 2026 order as well as its cancellation. With the dismissal of the SLP by the Supreme Court, the Punjab and Haryana High Court’s judgment remains in force.

He said that throughout the legal proceedings, the Haryana Staff Selection Commission remained committed to protecting the interests of the candidates and effectively presented its case at every stage based on facts and the applicable rules.The Supreme Court’s decision further strengthens confidence in the transparency of the recruitment process, the rule of law and the rights of selected candidates, he added.

Congratulating all selected Group-20 candidates, Sh. Himmat Singh said the verdict has brought them great relief and happiness. He expressed hope that they would discharge their responsibilities with dedication, honesty and commitment, and make a meaningful contribution to the progress of the state and public service.