The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) has restrained the Service Selection Board (JKSSB) from issuing a selection list of 1700 posts of Junior Assistants advertised by it for various departments.
Senior Counsel Azhar-ul-Amin appearing for aggrieved candidates while arguing the matter stated that vide advertisement notice dated 16.12.2020 vacancies of Junior Assistants had been advertised by the JKSSB to be filled by open marketing selection. The written tests were held during the month of January 2022 and the result of the written test had been issued on 19.03.2022.
He further stated that just a few days before the written test was to be held, the respondent-Board issued a notification stating that normalization process will be followed while deciding the merit position but he contended that normalisation procedure was not required to be followed by the Service Selection Board since the number of candidates was just a few thousand and there was no need to hold the examination on multiple days.
“In view of the discussions made above, the Service Selection Board (JKSSB) is directed to consider each and every aspect of the present matter before finalising the Selection list and bring out their stand while filing the counter reply. It is made clear that the final Selection List will not be issued till the next date of hearing. Respondents are directed to file their counter within three weeks. Rejoinder, if any, may be filed within one week thereafter”, the CAT ordered.
“Since the order of normalization process was issued just a few days before the written examination, the applicants did not have a chance to challenge the same in the Court of law. The counsel for the respondent-Board, on the other hand, stated that as may be seen from paragraph 10(IV) of the advertisement notice dated 16.12.2020, it had been clearly indicated that normalization process would be followed, if required”.
Board counsel further added that in the notification also the procedure which was to be followed in the forthcoming examination had been clearly spelt out and the applicants kept quiet till the result of the written test was announced and have approached this Tribunal only now. Therefore, the applicants can be said to be fence sitters who were watching whether the normalization would be in their favour or against them.
