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A.B Natarajan v. The Secretary
Factual and Procedural Background
The writ appeals arise from a common order dated 10.07.2009 passed by a learned single Judge of this Court in a batch of writ petitions challenging the selection and appointment made by the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) to Group-I Services for the year 2000-2001. The appellants in the writ appeals were petitioners in writ petitions questioning the selection process, alleging violations in the examination procedure and seeking directions for appointment. Some writ petitions also raised allegations of corruption and fraud in the recruitment process. The writ petitions were disposed of by the learned single Judge through the common order impugned in these appeals. The appellants challenge the findings of the learned single Judge on issues relating to the adoption of scaling technique in evaluation and violations of examination instructions by selected candidates.
Legal Issues Presented
- Whether the non-adoption of the scaling technique for evaluation of answer scripts in subjects where less than five candidates appeared would result in setting aside the entire selection.
- Whether violations of instructions and the memorandum of admission committed by selected candidates could invalidate their selection to Group-I Services for the year 2000-2001.
Arguments of the Parties
Appellants' Arguments
- The learned single Judge erred in not setting aside the selection despite TNPSC's failure to adopt the scaling technique uniformly across all optional subjects as required by clause 10(iv) of the notification.
- Faulty application of the scaling technique distorted the ranking system, as 25 out of 91 candidates were selected without the scaling technique being applied to their optional subjects.
- The use of prohibited materials such as colour pens, sketch pens, and pencils by selected candidates violated the instructions and rendered the selection illegal.
- The TNPSC acted arbitrarily and discriminatorily by invalidating only some answer scripts and not others with similar violations, violating Articles 14 and 16 of the Constitution.
- The appellants would have succeeded in the selection had the answer scripts of violators been invalidated and excluded.
Respondent (TNPSC) Arguments
- The scaling technique was adopted only for subjects where more than five candidates appeared based on expert opinion, as applying it to subjects with fewer candidates would be counterproductive.
- The appellants benefited from the scaling technique applied and did not demonstrate prejudice from its non-application in certain subjects.
- The TNPSC invalidated 48 answer scripts for violations, showing that it took action against malpractices.
- The violations relating to use of prohibited materials were not sufficient to invalidate the entire selection.
- Judgments cited by the appellants are distinguishable and the TNPSC's approach was consistent with legal precedents.
Table of Precedents Cited
| Precedent | Rule or Principle Cited For | Application by the Court |
|---|---|---|
| Karnataka Public Service Commission v. B.M Vijaya Shankar [AIR 1992 SC 952] | Validity of invalidating answer scripts for violation of examination instructions; Commission's power to impose penalties for non-compliance with instructions. | The Court relied on this precedent to hold that clear instructions prohibiting certain conduct must be enforced and violation can lead to invalidation of answer scripts. |
| Central Board of Secondary Education v. Ms. Vineeta Mahajan [AIR 1994 SC 733] | Possession of incriminating material during examination amounts to use of unfair means under the rules. | The Court applied this principle to uphold invalidation of answer scripts where candidates possessed prohibited materials, rejecting the argument that mere possession without use is not punishable. |
| Dr. M. Vennila v. Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission [2006 (3) CTC 449] | Upholding rejection of applications for failure to comply with prescribed instructions in recruitment process. | Supported the principle that strict adherence to instructions in recruitment is mandatory and non-compliance can lead to rejection. |
| Dr. A. Rajapandian v. State of Tamil Nadu [2006 (5) CTC 529] | Followed the principle in M. Vennila regarding rejection for non-compliance with application instructions. | Reinforced the importance of compliance with procedural instructions in recruitment applications. |
| The Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission v. R. Srinivasan (W.A Nos. 1408 and 1045 of 2009) | Prohibition on use of colour pens, sketch pens, and colour pencils in examination answer scripts and consequences of violation. | Used to demonstrate that use of prohibited writing instruments leads to invalidation of answer scripts, unless the candidate used permitted inks only. |
| Santosh v. State of Haryana (Punjab and Haryana High Court, C.W.P No. 4819 of 2002) | Cancellation of answer scripts for violation of examination instructions and disclosure of identity. | Upheld cancellation of answer scripts for using prohibited inks and marks, supporting invalidation for breach of instructions. |
Court's Reasoning and Analysis
The Court examined the issues framed by the learned single Judge and the arguments of both parties. On the first issue, the Court agreed with the learned single Judge that the non-adoption of the scaling technique for subjects with fewer than five candidates did not cause prejudice or infirmity in the selection, noting that the appellants actually benefited from the scaling technique where applied.
Regarding the second issue, the Court carefully analyzed the instructions issued by TNPSC and the Memorandum of Admission, concluding that the use of pencils (ordinary and colour), sketch pens, and colour pens was clearly prohibited. The Court rejected the learned single Judge's interpretation that only colour pencils were banned, holding that the prohibition was broader and intended to prevent malpractices.
The Court reviewed the detailed report of the second Advocate Commissioner, confirming widespread violations by selected candidates, including use of prohibited materials and irrelevant markings such as religious symbols. It found the learned single Judge erred in dismissing these violations as harmless or non-invalidating.
The Court emphasized that the TNPSC had invalidated only some answer scripts for such violations, but failed to apply the same standard to all candidates who committed similar infractions, resulting in arbitrary and discriminatory treatment violating Articles 14 and 16 of the Constitution.
Relying on binding Supreme Court and High Court precedents, the Court held that the answer scripts of candidates who violated the instructions should have been invalidated. The Court also noted that the appellants demonstrated they would have succeeded had the malpracticing candidates' scripts been excluded.
Consequently, the Court set aside the selection and appointment of 83 out of 91 candidates who committed violations, except for eight candidates found not to have violated the instructions. It directed the TNPSC to revalue the answer sheets of candidates who did not violate instructions and prepare a fresh merit list, while placing the appellants below all serving candidates in seniority.
Holding and Implications
The writ appeals are allowed.
The Court set aside the selection and appointment of 83 respondents for having indulged in malpractices and grossly violating instructions to candidates. The selection of eight respondents who did not violate instructions was upheld. The TNPSC is directed to revalue answer sheets of candidates free from violations and prepare a fresh merit list excluding those who committed gross violations. The appellants are to be appointed according to merit but placed below serving candidates in seniority. The entire process is to be completed within six weeks from the judgment date.
No new precedent was set; the decision applies the established principles on examination discipline and selection fairness to the facts of this case. The direct effect is the annulment of improper appointments and a reconstitution of the merit list, safeguarding the integrity of the selection process and protecting genuine candidates' rights.
PRAYER: Writ Appeal filed under Clause 15 of Letters Patent against the order dated 10.07.2009 passed in W.P No. 30885 of 2004.
PRAYER: Writ Appeal filed under Clause 15 of Letters Patent against the common order dated 10.07.2009 passed in W.P No. 17969 of 2004 batch of writ petitions.
COMMON JUDGMENT
D. HARIPARANTHAMAN, J.
These writ appeals are directed against the common order dated 10.07.2009 passed by a learned single Judge of this Court in W.P No. 17969 of 2004 batch.
2. The facts leading to the filing of these appeals are as follows:
(a) The appellant in W.A No. 1063 of 2009 is the petitioner in W.P No. 30885 of 2004. The appellant in W.A No. 1287 of 2009 is the petitioner in W.P No. 17969 of 2004.
(b) The appellant in W.A No. 1063 of 2009 filed the writ petition in W.P No. 30885 of 2004 questioning the selection and appointment made in Group-I Services for the year 2000-2001 by the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (shortly “the TNPSC”) and for a direction to consider him for appointment. In the said writ petition, all the selected candidates were shown as respondents.
(c) The appellant in W.A No. 1287 of 2009 along with 17 others filed the writ petition in W.P No. 17969 of 2004 questioning the very same selection and appointment made in Group - I Services for the year 2000-2001 and to consider their claim for appointment in Group - I Services. Except the appellant in W.A No. 1287 of 2009, all others withdrew the writ petition.
(d) The appellant in W.A No. 1287 of 2009 also filed another writ petition in W.P No. 482 of 2005 praying for a direction to the Central Bureau of Investigation, New Delhi to investigate the allegations of massive corruption and fraud in the examinations and recruitments conducted by the TNPSC for Group-I Services for the year 2000 - 2001.
(e) Challenging the very same selection, 13 unsuccessful candidates filed the writ petition in W.P No. 19851 of 2004.
(f) All those writ petitions were disposed of by the learned single Judge, by a common order dated 10.07.2009
(g) While deciding the aforesaid batch of writ petitions on 10.07.2009, the learned single Judge framed the following issues:
“20. After considering the elaborate arguments made by the respective counsel, the following points are culled out to be decided in this case:
1) The objection raised by the petitioner S. Madhavan in W.P No. 482 of 2005, especially relating to 8 instances as enumerated above wherein it is stated that at least the said eight candidates were selected due to corrupt practice, while other corresponding 8 persons who have scored more marks have been denied their rights of selection.
2) The introduction of scaling system in respect of optional subjects chosen by the candidates in the main written examinations as to whether the same is arbitrary or resulting in impropriety in the process of selection.
3) The violation of instructions given by the TNPSC in answering the questions in the main written examination papers, as to whether such violations can be treated as making indication to the examiners while valuing for any undue favouritism and consequently, as to whether such selection should be interfered with, especially in the light of detailed report of second advocate - Commissioner.”
(h) All the issues were decided against the petitioner in the respective writ petition leading to the filing of the present writ appeals and among the three issues framed by the learned single Judge in the batch of writ petitions, the first issue was not agitated by the appellants in these writ appeals.
3. We have heard the submissions made on either side and perused the materials available on record.
4. The TNPSC issued a notification dated 27.12.2000 inviting applications from candidates for direct recruitment against 95 vacancies (subsequently revised as 91 vacancies) in the following posts included in Group-I Services for the year 2000-2001.
Sl. No
(1) Name of Service
(2) Name of Post
(3) No. of vacancies
(4)
1 Tamil Nadu Civil Service
Deputy Collector
24
2 Tamil Nadu Police Service
Deputy Superintendent of Police (Category-I)
20
3 Tamil Nadu Commercial Taxes Services
Commercial Tax Officer
10
4 Tamil Nadu Co-operative Service
Deputy Registrar of
Co-operative Societies
33
5 Tamil Nadu Panchayat Development Service
Divisional Development Officer
5
6 Tamil Nadu General Service
District Employment Officer
2
7 Tamil Nadu Fire Service
Divisional Fire Officer
1
Total
95
5. Along with the notification, instructions to candidates appearing for competitive (main written) descriptive type examination was issued by the TNPSC. Clause Nos. 9, 11, 14, 15, 22 and 23 of the instructions are relevant for the purpose of this case and the same are extracted hereunder:
“9. Candidates are required to provide themselves with their own pens, ink, blotting paper and instrument boxes. They are permitted to use only Fountain pen, steel pen and ball point pen using blue or black or blue black inks only.
Candidates are advised to leave all personal belongings, books etc., outside the examination hall. Tea, Coffee, Snacks, Soft drinks, etc., will not be served insider or outside the examination hall. Candidates are to maintain strict silence. Candidates should not borrow any material, instruments from other candidates. They shall use only their own pens and permitted material.
11. Candidates should write their answers on both the pages of the answer books supplied to them.
The register numbers should be written only on the front page of the first sheet of the main answer book in the space provided for that purpose. They should not write their Register number in the additional answer books, graph sheets, maps or in the journal sheets supplied to them. Two marks from the total marks will be deducted for violation of this instruction.
14. Candidates should not write the register number any where except in the space provided for it. They should not write their names or initials any where. While answering order, judgment or letter writing questions they should use only the names and addresses given in the question or general instructions at the top of the question paper. Two marks will be deducted for violation of this instruction.
Candidates should not write any irrelevant or impertinent remarks or any appeal or any marks or irrelevant matter including an appeal to the Examiner for higher marks. The answer book of the candidates who violate this instruction will be invalidated.
15. Candidate should give the correct numbers of the question or sub-division in their answers. If they fail to indicate the correct question number or sub-division of a question or if they give the question number incorrectly, they are liable to lose marks.
22. The application of the candidate who violates any one or more of these instructions or instructions printed on the main answer book or in the memorandum of admission, will be rejected and or his answer books will be invalidated and or he/she will be debarred for such period as the Commission considers fit.
23. A reduction of two marks will be made for each mistake i.e, for writing the register number incorrectly or for writing the name of the subject and paper incorrectly. A reduction of two marks will be made for the omission to write the register number in the space provided for it.”
6. Note (iv) to clause 10 of the notification is also relevant for the purpose of this case and the same is extracted hereunder:
“10. (iv) The Scaling Technique for evaluation of answer papers will be adopted in the Main Written Examination.”
7. The TNPSC also issued Memorandum of Admission to appear for the written examinations. The said Memorandum contains 8 notes. Note - 5 is relevant for the purpose of this case and the same is extracted hereunder:
“5. The candidates should not use colour pens, sketch pens, pencils, except those permitted in the instructions etc., to candidates for any purpose including drawing, underlining and highlighting. They should not write their Register number anywhere (including additional answer books) except in the place provided at the top of the front page of the main answer book.”
8. Based on the preliminary examination, 778 faced written examinations. Out of them, 182 were selected for oral test and 91 out of 182 were ultimately selected and appointed. As stated above, writ petitions were filed challenging their selection.
9. The crux of the allegation made in those writ petitions was that the selected candidates used colour pens, sketch pens and pencils etc., and also made certain marks contrary to the instructions issued by the TNPSC to candidates appearing for competitive (main written) descriptive type examination. There was also another allegation that the scaling technique for evaluation of answer scripts was not adopted in the main written examination as provided in the notification.
10. The TNPSC refuted the allegations stating that the scaling technique was adopted, but however, it had applied the scaling technique only in respect of the optional subjects where more than 5 candidates appeared. They acted based on the expert opinion and no prejudice was caused to the writ petitioners. The TNPSC produced all the answer scripts in this regard.
11. The learned single judge appointed an Advocate Commissioner vide order dated 31.07.2007 in W.P No. 30885 of 2004. The Advocate Commissioner submitted his report dated 16.08.2007 However, both the petitioners therein as well as the TNPSC made objections to the report dated 16.08.2007 of the Advocate Commissioner.
12. In those circumstances, the learned single Judge passed another order dated 23.01.2009 in the very same writ petition viz., W.P No. 30885 of 2004 appointing second Advocate Commissioner. In this regard, paras 1 to 3 of the order dated 23.01.2009 appointing the second Advocate Commissioner are extracted hereunder:
“The learned counsel for the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) has produced 14 bundles of answer papers pertaining to 91 candidates who were selected in the competitive examinations held in 2000-01 in respect of Group-I Examinations containing a total number of 637 answer papers.
2. Even though the Advocate Commissioner, who was appointed earlier has filed a report, the report has not contained details about various alleged violations. Therefore, after elaborate arguments, in the circumstances of the case, this Court is of the view that the entire answer sheets produced by the TNPSC as stated above are to be referred to the Advocate Commissioner to give a factual report.
3. In view of the same, Mr. S.R Sundar, New No. 235, Old No. 112, V Floor, Angappa Naicken Street, Chennai 600 001, having Cell No. 9444055853 and Landline No. 25224477, is appointed as Advocate Commissioner and he shall file a report after verification of 637 answer sheets in respect of 91 candidates each having seven written papers, which are to be produced by the learned counsel for the TNPSC before him. The model forms of the said seven papers as submitted by the petitions counsel are also to be produced before the learned Advocate Commissioner. The learned Advocate Commissioner shall examine answer papers in the presence of respective counsel and file a report in respect of the following:
1) use of sketch pen in the answer papers;
2) use of pencils in the answer papers
3) use of two colours;
4) making of some markings if used in the answer sheets like cross, crescent and om;
5) writing of name of candidates, if any, in the answer sheets; and
6) writing question numbers wrongly in the answer sheets and then making alterations in that regard.”
13. The second Advocate Commissioner perused 637 answer scripts belonging to the 91 selected candidates and submitted a detailed report dated 20.02.2009 in one volume containing annexure 1 and 2. That apart, he has filed 3 volumes running 440 pages each as annexure 3 and gave a detailed candidates wise report in respect of each paper. The second Advocate Commissioner also filed 4 CDs' along with his report. Based on the aforesaid voluminous report of the second Advocate Commissioner, the appellant in W.A No. 1287 of 2009 has filed the condensed report in the following form:
Sl.
Name (Res. No)
Reg. No.
Pages from
Adv.
Comm.
(1) Use of Sketch
(2) Use of Pencil
(3) Two Colour
(4) Irrelevant Markings
(5) Writing Name/Reg. No.
(6) Wrong Question No. Written & Corrected it Advocate Comm. Remarks
1
M. Raji (R48)
512541
408-414
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
Yes
Blue and Orange Sketch Pen used
2
S. Malarvizhi (R79)
508273
234-240
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
Purple colour sketch used
3
V. Shyamala Devi (R41)
604980
304-310
YES
YES
NO
NO
NO
YES
Sketch used
4
Sathishkumar (R56)
514721
374-380
NO
YES
YES
NO
NO
YES
5
Seenivasan (R45)
514907
555-561
NO
YES
YES
NO
NO
YES
6
Jeyasheelan (R2)
505528
101-107
NO
YES
YES
NO
NO
YES
7
Suganthi (R51)
596134
150-156
NO
YES
YES
NO
NO
YES
8
Ananthi (R60)
574504
164-170
NO
YES
YES
NO
NO
YES
9
Nadukatturaja (R71)
509882
195-205
NO
YES
YES
NO
NO
YES
10
Kalaiselvi (R7)
506000
220-226
NO
YES
YES
NO
NO
YES
11
Arvind (R35)
500894
227-233
NO
YES
YES
NO
NO
YES
12
Chamundeeswari (R78)
502369
625-631
NO
YES
NO
YES
NO
YES
7th page left blank and written only MANI in the center of the blank page
13
Dhanalakshmi (R73)
562807
653-659
NO
YES
NO
YES
NO
YES
14
K. Shanthi (R17)
526199
52-58
NO
YES
YES
NO
NO
NO
15
M. Hema (R61)
563769
255-261
NO
YES
YES
NO
NO
NO
16
G. Stalin (R27)
572125
583-589
NO
YES
YES
NO
NO
NO
17
K. Balakrishnan (R67)
501718
639-645
NO
YES
YES
NO
NO
NO
18
Subhashini (R57)
535337
332-338
NO
YES
YES
NO
NO
NO
19
K.V Muralidharan (R6)
509392
367-373
NO
YES
YES
NO
NO
NO
Map supplied by TNPSC is missing in Geography I
20
N. Lavanya (R81)
585356
381-387
NO
YES
YES
NO
NO
NO
21
R. Sumathi (R50)
517558
422-428
NO
YES
YES
NO
NO
NO
22
R. Ranjithkumar (R26)
533793
73-79
NO
YES
NO
NO
NO
YES
23
Thangadurai (R37)
518279
87-93
NO
YES
NO
NO
NO
YES
24
K. Pandian (R69)
510708
122-128
NO
YES
NO
NO
NO
YES
25
K. Karpagam (R9)
522973
129-135
NO
YES
NO
NO
NO
YES
26
C. Chitrapavai (R87)
502689
157-163
NO
YES
NO
NO
NO
YES
27
T. Vanitha (R77)
502689
192-198
NO
YES
NO
NO
NO
YES
28
K.P Vanathi (R85)
528377
206-212
NO
YES
NO
NO
NO
YES
29
M.S Sangeetha (R20)
513978
248-254
NO
YES
NO
NO
NO
YES
30
R. Brindha Devi (R23)
529859
262-268
NO
YES
NO
NO
NO
YES
31
V. Sivakumar (R74)
516441
269-275
NO
YES
NO
NO
NO
YES
32
V. Pitchai (R90)
550343
283-289
NO
YES
NO
NO
NO
YES
33
AnnaMarySwarna (R10)
542329
311-317
NO
YES
NO
NO
NO
YES
34
J. Palaneeswari (R83)
510580
360-366
NO
YES
NO
NO
NO
YES
35
R.V Kaveri (R76)
546640
429-435
NO
YES
NO
NO
NO
YES
36
S. Elanselvi (R75)
575746
444-449
NO
YES
NO
NO
NO
YES
37
P. Subhashini (R70)
540875
471-477
NO
YES
NO
NO
NO
YES
38
K. Shanmugam (R65)
515870
478-484
NO
YES
NO
NO
NO
YES
39
M. Tamil Selvi (R63)
518134
485-491
NO
YES
NO
NO
NO
YES
40
N. Gandhikumar (R43)
503760
499-505
NO
YES
NO
NO
NO
YES
41
M.S Manivannan (R40)
508537
506-512
NO
YES
NO
NO
NO
YES
42
R.K Sujatha (R47)
517477
520-526
NO
YES
NO
NO
NO
YES
43
M. Santhanam (R58)
513939
534-540
NO
YES
NO
NO
NO
YES
44
T. Selvakumar (R72)
553436
569-571
NO
YES
NO
NO
NO
YES
45
V. Nallasivam (R89)
510029
597-603
NO
YES
NO
NO
NO
YES
46
S. Meenakshisundaram (R22)
508924
632-638
NO
YES
NO
NO
NO
YES
47
P. Rajalakshmi (R86)
533379
660-666
NO
YES
NO
NO
NO
YES
48
Chandrasekar (R59)
521364
674-680
NO
YES
NO
NO
NO
YES
49
M. Aruna (R24)
501232
681-687
NO
YES
NO
NO
NO
YES
50
S. Lakshmi (R84)
507688
66-72
NO
YES
NO
NO
NO
NO
51
Yashoda Devi (R62)
574245
178-184
NO
YES
NO
NO
NO
NO
52
Kumaravel Pandian (R13)
547037
185-191
NO
YES
NO
NO
NO
NO
53
N. Usha (R53)
528306
318-324
NO
YES
NO
NO
NO
NO
54
P. Renukadevi (R49)
525916
325-331
NO
YES
NO
NO
NO
NO
First page of main answer book left blank
55
N. StephenJesupatham (R36)
595941
339-345
NO
YES
NO
NO
NO
NO
56
K. Stalin (R82)
517019
346-352
NO
YES
NO
NO
NO
NO
57
K. Balasubramanian (R5)
501827
394-400
NO
YES
NO
NO
NO
NO
58
G. Rajendraprasad (R66)
512425
401-407
NO
YES
NO
NO
NO
NO
59
P. Vijayalakshmi (R32)
520054
450-456
NO
YES
NO
NO
NO
NO
60
M.N Poongodi (R75)
524965
548-554
NO
YES
NO
NO
NO
NO
61
D. Ravichandran (R16)
513416
562-568
NO
YES
NO
NO
NO
NO
62
R. Sudhan (R3)
517342
576-582
NO
YES
NO
NO
NO
NO
63
T. Jayaraman (R88)
505724
590-596
NO
YES
NO
NO
NO
NO
64
M. Janaki (R34)
505125
618-624
NO
YES
NO
NO
NO
NO
65
P. Karunakaran (R12)
564900
646-652
NO
YES
NO
NO
NO
NO
66
T. Ashok Kumar (R29)
501318
667-673
NO
YES
NO
NO
NO
NO
67
J. Vijayarani (R8)
519920
297-303
NO
NO
YES
YES
NO
YES
+ (-3-This religious symbols presented in the first page of the main answer book in 4 out of 7 papers
68
D. Mohan (R4)
509082
108-114
NO
NO
YES
NO
NO
YES
69
G. Lakshmipriya (R80)
592685
115-121
NO
NO
YES
NO
NO
YES
70
Ejilearassane (R14)
530254
492-498
NO
NO
YES
NO
NO
NO
71
Balaji Saravanan (R64)
501692
213-219
NO
NO
NO
YES
NO
NO
72
T. Indira (R52)
537915
415-421
NO
NO
NO
YES
NO
NO
73
N. Seenivasan (R92)
540819
80-86
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
YES
74
K. Tharagaraj (R88)
518379
94-100
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
YES
75
T. Christraj (R21)
502707
143-149
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
YES
76
S.S Maheswaran (R39)
547537
171-177
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
YES
77
T. Prabhu (R68)
511368
276-282
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
YES
78
K.P Selvaraj (R55)
515169
290-296
NO
NO
NO
NO
YES
YES
This candidate wrote his reg. no. 515169 in map of Geography I
79
D. Baskara Pandian (R15)
537145
436-442
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
YES
80
B. Ganesan (R19)
544272
457-463
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
YES
81
K. Athiveerapandian (R42)
500072
541-547
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
YES
82
M. Thangavel (R46)
555783
604-610
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
YES
83
E. Raveendran (R18)
513258
611-617
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
YES
84
S. Visakan (R11)
520273
388-393A
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
Perfect candidate in all 7 papers
85
C. Shyamala Devi (R31)
554258
353-359
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
Perfect candidate in all 7 papers
86
R. Pandiarajan (R30)
550012
513-519
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
Perfect candidate in all 7 papers
87
K. Kingslin (R33)
507085
59-65
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
Perfect candidate in all 7 papers
88
K. Prabhakar (R38)
511248
464-470
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
Perfect candidate in all 7 papers
89
D. Padmavathi (R44)
510549
136-142
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
Perfect candidate in all 7 papers
90
M. Jayaraman (R54)
545588
241-247
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
Perfect candidate in all 7 papers
91
K. Varadharajan (R91)
536138
527-533
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
Perfect candidate in all 7 papers
TOTAL
3
66
21
5
1
55
8
In nutshell, 83 out of 91 candidates committed the following types of violations, which is not disputed by the TNPSC.
“1. Sketch pen used candidates - 3
2. Pencil used candidates - 66
3. Two colours used candidates - 21
4. Irrelevant marking used candidates - 5
5. Writing Name/Register No. - 1
6. Wrong question no. written candidates - 55
7. Perfect candidates - 8
9. First page of main answer book left blank - 21”
14. The learned single Judge held that non-adoption of scaling technique for evaluation of subjects where less than five candidates appeared would not affect the selection. The learned single Judge also held that violation of instruction and Memorandum of admission would not result in the invalidation of answer scripts. In the result, the learned single Judge rejected the writ petitions leading to the filing of the present writ appeals.
15. The issues that have to be decided in both the writ appeals are:
(i) whether the non-adoption of the scaling technique for evaluation of answer scripts in respect of subjects where less than 5 candidates appeared would result in setting aside of the entire selection.
(ii) whether the violations of instructions and the memorandum of admission committed by the selected candidates could invalidate their selection to Group-I Services for the year 2000-2001; and
16. According to the learned senior counsel for the appellants, the learned single Judge ought to have set aside the selection, since the TNPSC failed to adopt the scaling technique uniformly for evaluation of all answer scripts relating to optional subjects. According to them, as per clause 10(iv) of the notification, the scaling technique for evaluation of all answer scripts should be adopted uniformly to all the subjects. According to the learned senior counsel for the appellants, the faulty adoption of this crucial technique in the selection procedure has distarded the whole ranking system. According to him, the glaring violation of the procedure of selection under clause 10(iv) of the notification is that 25 out of 91 candidates were selected without adopting this technique. But however, the TNPSC adopted the scaling technique for evaluation of answer scripts in respect of subjects where there were more than five candidates appeared. To explain, in respect of subjects where less than five candidates appeared, the scaling technique was not adopted.
17. On the other hand, the learned senior counsel for the respondent - TNPSC submitted that since the expert opined that if the scaling technique is adopted for the subjects written by the candidates five or less than five in number, result will be negative/counter productive. Therefore, based on the expert's opinion, the scaling technique was only adopted for the subjects where more than five candidates appeared. It was also argued that the scaling technique was applied to the appellants and they were beneficiaries and that the candidates who appeared in the subjects, where less than five persons appeared, did not choose to question the same. The learned senior counsel also took us through the elaborate discussion of the learned single Judge on the adoption of scaling technique for evaluation of answer scripts. The learned counsel for respondent No. 50 sought to sustain the order of the learned single Judge and supported the submissions of the learned senior counsel for the TNPSC.
18. We have gone through the reasoning given by the learned single Judge. We are in entire agreement with the learned single Judge in holding that there is no infirmity in adopting the scaling technique for evaluation of answer scripts in respect of subjects where more than five candidates appeared. The learned single Judge also found that while the appellant in W.A No. 1287 of 2009 secured 951.50 out of 1800 marks without application of scaling technique, he secured 952.27 marks on the adoption of scaling technique. Likewise, the appellant in W.A No. 1063 of 2009 secured 1021 out of 1800 marks without application of scaling technique and secured 1045.23 marks on the adoption of scaling technique. The appellants were not able to demonstrate as to how the non-adoption of scaling technique for evaluation of answer scripts in respect of subjects where less than five candidates appeared would put them in a disadvantageous position, particularly when the TNPSC stated that the raw marks obtained by them would be of advantageous to those candidates and not the scaling technique. Furthermore, as rightly pointed out by the learned senior counsel for the TNPSC, none of the candidates whose answer scripts were not evaluated based on scaling technique complained of prejudice. For the aforesaid reasons, we confirm the findings of the learned single Judge that the non-adoption of scaling technique for evaluation of answer scripts in respect of subjects where less than five candidates appeared would not cause any prejudice. Issue No. 1 is answered accordingly.
19. While interpreting Note - 5 of the Memorandum of admission, the learned single Judge, in para 23(h) of the judgment held that there is no prohibition in the instructions against using of ordinary pencils and using of colour pencils alone was prohibited. In view of the importance of the matter, Note-5 of Memorandum of admission is once again reproduced hereunder:
“5. The candidates should not use colour pens, sketch pens, pencils, except those permitted in the instructions etc., to candidates for any purpose including drawing, underlining and highlighting. They should not write their Register number anywhere (including additional answer books) except in the place provided at the top of the front page of the main answer book.”
20. In para 23(h) of the judgment the learned single Judge read pencils as “colour pencils” by adding “colour” before “pencils”. In our view, the same is quite unwarranted. When Note-5 of the Memorandum of admission makes it very clear that use of pencils was prohibited, the learned single Judge is not correct in holding use of colour pencils alone was prohibited. In our view, pencils mean both the ordinary pencils as well as colour pencils. In fact, the written arguments filed by TNPSC strengthen our view as TNPSC issued the following instructions in clause 16(i) of the instructions for the examinations that were conducted subsequently.
“16(i) Candidates should not use colour pens, sketch pens, colour pencils except those permitted in the “Instructions etc., to candidates for any purpose including drawing, underlining and highlighting. The answer books of the candidates who violate this instruction will be invalidated.”
That is, the TNPSC added “colour” before “pencils” and prohibiting use of colour pencils alone in the subsequent examinations by way of the aforesaid instruction No. 16(i).
21. As far as sketch pens are concerned, they are only in colours. As per Note-5 of the Memorandum of admission, the TNPSC prohibited use of pencils. Furthermore, the use of pencils was prohibited as it could be easily erased and corrections could be made. In any event, Note-5 of the Memorandum of admission is unambiguous and use of pencils is prohibited in the examination for Group-I Services for the year 2000-2001. The intention and the aim that is sought to be achieved by prohibiting the use of pencil is to curtail candidates from indulging in malpractices. In fact, n clause 9 of the instructions it has been clearly mentioned that “candidates are permitted to use only fountain pen, steel pen and ball point pen using blue or black or blue black colour inks only.” Therefore, we have no hesitation to hold that clauses 9 and 22 of the instructions that were extracted above read with Note-5 of the Memorandum of admission prohibit use of pencils.
22. To verify, we have directed the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission to produce before us the answer sheets of the selected and non-selected candidates. Accordingly, they have produced before us the answer sheets. We have gone through the answer sheets, with reference to the second Advocate Commissioner's report. We are able to find many lacunae and malpractices adopted on the part of some of the selected candidates. As a tip of the iceberg we extract hereunder some of the lacunae observed by us:
i) J. Vijayarani (R.9 in W.A No. 1063 of 2009) (with Registered No. 519920) has used religious symbols (om, Cross and crescent) in four papers in the first page of the main answer book.
ii) T. India (R.52 in W.A No. 1063 of 2009) (with Registration No. 537915) used the ‘Sum’ symbol ‘c’ at top of several pages in Sociology Paper-II.
Iii) Chamundeeswari (R.78 in W.A No. 1063 of 2009) (with Registration No. 502369), left the 7th page blank and had written a peculiar code ‘mani’ at the centre of the full blank page in the General Studies Paper-I.
23. The second Advocate Commissioner found that 66 out of 91 selected candidates used pencils, 3 out of 91 used colour pens and 21 out of 91 used two colours, and the same is not in dispute. When the candidates appeared for the higher service and disregarded the instructions, the same could be viewed very seriously. Though the learned single Judge referred to the report of the second Advocate Commissioner, he did not take into account the aforesaid violations pointed out by the second Advocate Commissioner and instead he proceeded simply on the premise that use of pencils was not prohibited.
24. The second Advocate Commissioner found that five of the selected candidates used religious symbols, such as, Cross, ‘Om’ and half moon etc. In this regard, the learned single Judge, in para 25 of the judgment held that the same could not be construed as irrelevant markings, inasmuch as the candidates put only the symbols of all religions. The aforesaid finding is found in the passage from para 25 of the judgment of the learned single Judge, which is extracted hereunder:
“25…… That apart, in respect of the violation about mentioning symbols viz., “cross, Ohm, half moon”, I am of the view, by applying clause 14, the same cannot be construed to be irrelevant marking inasmuch as the candidate has put only the symbols of all religions and the same cannot said to be either irrelevant or impertinent marking which is likely to appeal the examiners……”
25. When second portion of clause 14 of the instructions makes it clear that any marks or irrelevant markings would invalidate the answer scripts, the learned single Judge was not correct in holding that the candidates put only the symbols of all the religions. We wonder as to in what manner, the marking of such religious symbols are relevant for the purpose. The intended examination is not meant to assess the religious beliefs of the candidates, but their knowledge on various subjects. These cheap techniques of sympathy gaining, adopted on the part of the candidates, in violation of the instructions. It is within every prudent man's knowledge that such irrelevant markings are strictly prohibited, since they could even be a guiding/identification factors for indulging in malpractices, lest it would be very difficult to identify, chase and trace the script of a particular candidate. In this regard, the second portion of clause - 14 of the instructions is reproduced hereunder:
“Candidates should not write any irrelevant or impertinent remarks or any appeal or any marks or irrelevant matter including an appeal to the Examiner for higher marks. The answer book of the candidates who violate this instruction will be invalidated.”
Hence, we are not able to agree with the findings recorded by the learned single Judge in this regard.
26. Moreover, clause 14 of the instructions makes it clear that any marks or irrelevant matters could invalidate the answer scripts. Therefore, any marks or irrelevant matters written by the candidates, particularly, those who aspire to Group - I posts, their answer scripts could be invalidated as per clause 14 of the instructions. Clause 22 of the instructions makes it very clear that violation of Memorandum of admission would lead to the rejection of the application and would lead to the invalidation of the answer scripts. Thus, the answer scripts of the candidates, who used sketch pens, pencils/colour pencils and colour pens had to be invalidated in view of Note-5 of Memorandum of admission read with clause 22 of the instructions. Therefore, the TNPSC ought to have invalidated the answer scripts of the candidates who used colour pens/sketch pens/pencils and also who wrote any marks or irrelevant markings in the answer scripts.
27. It is true that the other violations, namely, writing names and register numbers at improper places and also writing wrong question numbers, could not lead to invalidation of answer scripts in view of clause 11 and first portion of clause 14 and clause 23 of the instructions. As per those clauses, there would be only reduction in marks and the same would not lead to invalidation. But when there is violation of the Memorandum of admission, that would lead to invalidation of answer scripts, as per clause 22 of the instructions i.e if the candidate used colour pens and/or sketch pens and/or pencils, his/her answer scripts would be invalidated. Likewise, when there is violation of the second portion of clause 14 of the instructions by writing any marks or any irrelevant matters, that would lead to invalidation of the concerned answer script. Hence, we are not in agreement with the findings recorded by the learned single Judge.
28. In fact, the learned single Judge, in para 35 of the judgment, held as follows:
“35. However, when it is stated by the respondent/TNPSC that at least 48 answer papers of the candidates who have violated the instructions have been invalidated on the basis that they have used extensively the colour pens, sketch pens and colour pencils in order to identify them to the examiners, especially in the circumstances that the learned advocate - Commissioner has found that some marks which are not expected to be made in the answer papers have been made, the respondent/TNPSC should have taken care to prevent such use of signs even though the same may not be termed as irrelevant. Nevertheless, the TNPSC being the constitutional functionary, entrusted with the avowed object of selecting candidates for public service ought to be more careful because, it is those candidates selected by the TNPSC who are going to be the valuable officers in the governance of the state. Certainly, even a minor fault on the part of the TNPSC can have adverse repercussion on the governance of the State in future. The report of the learned advocate-Commissioner makes it clear that at least in few number of cases the answer papers were not in accordance with the instructions given and in spite of the same, the TNPSC has taken its own stand that such markings formed no basis for attracting the examiners.”
However, the learned single Judge found that those violations could not invalidate the answer scripts of the selected candidates.
29. More importantly, the appellant in W.A No. 1063 of 2009 categorically pleaded in para 11 of the affidavit filed in support of the writ petition in W.P No. 30885 of 2004 that at least 40 candidates have used sketch pens and some of the candidates used sketch pens and pencils violating the norms fixed by the TNPSC. Hence, the entire selection was illegal and violative of the norms and rules fixed by the TNPSC. In this regard, para 11 of the affidavit filed in support of the writ petition in W.P No. 30885 of 2004 is extracted hereunder:
“11) I humbly submit that it was reliably learnt that some of the candidates have used sketch pens and pencils by violating the norms fixed by the TNPSC. Immediately representation was given by the candidates in time but, no action was taken. It was also learnt on enquiry that more than 20% of the selected candidates (ie) atleast 40 candidates have used Sketch Pens. Hence, the act of the respondent in not taking action against the candidates who have used Sketch Pen and Pencils is nothing but allowing the non-meritorious candidates to be selected. Hence, the entire selection process is illegal and violative of the norms and rules fixed by TNPSC.”
30. The TNPSC filed a counter affidavit to the writ petition in W.P No. 30885 of 2004 admitting violations of norms by various persons and 48 answer scripts have been invalidated for violating Note-5 of the Memorandum of admission. In this regard, the relevant passage in para 29 of the counter affidavit filed by the TNPSC is extracted hereunder:
“With reference to the averments made in paras 11 and 12 of the Writ Petition, it is submitted that in the Group I Main Written Examination, in the valuation of the answer book it was ensured that the Commission's instructions were strictly adhered to and 48 answer books have been invalidated for the reason that the candidates have used Colour Pens, Sketch Pencil etc., for underlining/drawing/highlighting the answers in the answer books. …….”
31. When the TNPSC invalidated 48 answer scripts for using colour pens, sketch pens and pencils etc., for underlining/drawing/highlighting, the same yardstick should have been adopted by the TNPSC in the case of 83 candidates among the 91 candidates as they also committed the same violations as found by the second Advocate Commissioner, as otherwise, the action of the TNPSC would be characterised as arbitrary and discriminatory and violative of Articles 14 and 16 of the Constitution. Hence, we have no hesitation in holding that since the 83 among the 91 candidates violated the first portion of clause 14 of the instructions and clause 22 of the instructions read with Note-5 of Memorandum of admission, their answer scripts are liable to be invalidated.
32. The following judgments relied on by the learned senior counsel for the appellants squarely applies to the facts of this case.
(a) The Honourable Apex Court judgment in Karnataka Public Service Commission v. B.M Vijaya Shankar [AIR 1992 SC 952]
(b) The Honourable Apex Court judgment in Central Board of Secondary Education v. Ms. Vineeta Mahajan [AIR 1994 SC 733]
(c) Division Bench judgment of this Court in Dr. M. Vennila v. Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission [2006 (3) CTC 449]
(d) Division Bench judgment of this Court in Dr. A. Rajapandian v. State of Tamil Nadu [2006 (5) CTC 529]
(e) Division Bench judgment of this Court in The Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission v. R. Srinivasan in W.A No. 1408 and 1045 of 2009 (decided on 12.10.2009)
(f) Division Bench judgment of the Punjab and Haryana High Court in Santosh v. State of Haryana in C.W.P No. 4819 of 2002.
33. The Division Bench judgment of this Court in W.P No. 17639 of 2001 etc., batch (decided on 25.02.2005) and the Division Bench judgment of this Court in W.A No. 585 of 2009 (decided on 11.11.2009) relied on by the learned counsel for the TNPSC are not applicable to the facts of this case.
34. In the judgment of the Honourable Apex Court in Karnataka Public Service Commission v. B.M Vijaya Shankar [AIR 1992 SC 952] the Karnataka Public Service Commission refused to evaluate the answer scripts of the candidates who disregarded the instructions issued by the Commission by writing their roll numbers not only on the front page of the answer scripts in the space provided for it, but even at other places. Those candidates approached the Karnataka Administrative Tribunal and the Tribunal issued direction to the Commission to evaluate answer scripts. Ultimately, the matter went to the Honourable Apex Court and the Apex Court reversed the judgment of the Tribunal. Clause (1) of the instructions to candidates states that candidates should write their register number and other particulars in the space provided and they should not write the same in other places. Clause (xiii) of the instructions contemplate that the failure on the part of the candidates in complying with the instructions would render them liable for punishment, as the Commission may deem fit to impose. Clause (xii) of the instructions states that the candidates must abide by instructions. It was argued that Clause (xiii) dealing with punishment was vague and that could not give power to the Commission not to evaluate the answer scripts. The same was rejected by the Honourable Apex Court and the relevant passage from para 2 of the judgment is extracted hereunder:
“2…..Relevant clause (1) of the Instructions to Candidates is extracted below:
“Before commencing your answers please write your register number and other particulars in the space provided above. Do not write your name or register number or sign anywhere in the answer book or on any loose sheets, such as precis sheets, maps, graph papers, etc.”
It is not disputed and it was found, even, by the Tribunal that it was printed on the first page of, every, answer book. Its observance was mandatory and its disregard was punishable as is clear from instructions (xii) and (xiii) of General Instructions to the candidates which are extracted below:
“(xii) The candidates must abide by such instructions as may be specified on the cover of the answer book or any further instructions which may be given by the Supervisor/Invigilator of the examination.
(xiii) If the candidates fail to do so or indulge in disorderly or improper conduct, they will render themselves liable to expulsion from examination and/or such other punishment as the Commission may deem fit to impose.”
Is the expression, ‘such other punishment as the Commission may deem fit to impose’ vague and thus arbitrary? We do not think so. Read with clause (xii) it presents no difficulty. It provides action for breach of that which is, clearly, specified. It cannot be characterised as vague. And then any capricious exercise of power can always be assailed. More important than this is that provisions attempting to infuse discipline in competitive examinations to be conducted by the Commission cannot be construed with same yardstick as a provision in penal statutes. Moreover the Commission did not impose any penalty on the candidates. Their examination was not cancelled nor they were debarred from taking any examination conducted by the Commission for that year or any year, in future. Their marks in papers, other than those in which they were found to have acted in disregard of instructions were declared. The only action taken was that those answer books in which roll numbers had been written inside were not subjected to evaluation. In our opinion there was nothing, basically, wrong in it.”
35. In the present appeals, the instructions are very clear and there is no vagueness and the instructions makes it clear that the violation of instructions would lead to invalidation of answer scripts. Thus, as per the aforesaid judgment of the Honourable Apex Court, the TNPSC ought to have invalidated the answer scripts.
36. In the judgment of the Honourable Apex Court in Central Board of Secondary Education v. Ms. Vineeta Mahajan [AIR 1994 SC 733] the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) cancelled the examination of a student for having in possession some material while the candidate wrote examination. The Delhi High Court in terfered with the order of the CBSE cancelling the examination holding that the student had not copied and the material was not used for copying and that therefore, mere possession of some material without using the same could not be treated as using unfair means at the examination. The judgment of the Delhi High Court was reversed by the Honourable Apex Court. The findings of the Delhi High Court is extracted in para 4 of the judgment of the Honourable Apex Court and the relevant passage therein is extracted hereunder:
“4……. Having come to the conclusion, on facts, that the petitioner had not copied, the question of imposing any penalty merely on the presumption of some written notes being found with the candidate, could not be arrived at, on the facts and circumstances of the present case…….”
In para 5 of the judgment, the Honourable Apex Court gave its reasoning for reversing the judgment of the High Court and the same is extracted hereunder:
“5. We do not agree with the reasoning of the High Court. The High Court fell into patent error in reading a rebuttable presumption in the language of the Rule. The Rule clearly defines “the use of unfair means at the examination” and lays down in simple language that a candidate having in possession papers, relevant to the examination, in the paper concerned, shall be deemed to have used unfair means at the examination. The sine qua non, for the misconduct under the Rule, is the recovery of the incriminating material from the possession of the candidate. Once the candidate is found to be in possession of papers relevant to the examination, the requirement of the Rule is satisfied and there is no escape from the conclusion that the candidate has used unfair means at the examination. The Rule does not make any distinction between bona fide or mala fide possession of the incriminating material. The High Court reasoning, that the candidate having not used the material — in spite of the opportunity available to her — the possession alone would not attract the provisions of the Rule, in our view, is not borne out from the plain language of the Rule. May be, because of strict vigilance in the examination hall the candidate was not in a position to take out the papers from the pencil box and use the same. The very fact that she took the papers relevant to the examination in the paper concerned and was found to be in possession of the same by the invigilator in the examination hall is sufficient to prove the charge of using unfair means by her in the examination under the Rule.”
37. In the Division Bench judgment of this Court in Dr. M. Vennila v. Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission [2006 (3) CTC 449] the TNPSC rejected the application of the candidate who applied for the post of Assistant Surgeon (General) in the Tamil Nadu Medical Services for the year 2003-2004 on the ground that the candidate failed to sing the application below column 24 and the same amounted to violation of para 17 of the instructions. A Division Bench of this Court upheld the rejection of application by TNPSC in the aforesaid judgment.
38. In the First Bench judgment of this Court in Dr. A. Rajapandian v. State of Tamil Nadu [2006 (5) CTC 529] the First Bench of this Court followed the aforesaid Division Bench judgment [2006 (3) CTC 449] and upheld the rejection of 68 applications of the candidates who applied for the post of Veterinary Assistant Surgeon in the Tamil Nadu Animal Husbandry Services for the year 2005-2006 on the ground that the candidates not signed the applications as per the instructions.
39. The First Bench of this Court in The Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission v. R. Srinivasan in W.A No. 1408 and 1045 of 2009 (decided on 12.10.2009) considered Clause 12 of the instructions which is the same as that of Clause 9 of the instructions herein and also Clause 16(i) of the instructions which is similar to Note-5 of the Memorandum of admission. In the said case, as in Clause 9 of the instructions herein, the candidates are permitted to use blue or black or blue black inks. There is prohibition for use of colour pens, sketch pens and colour pencils. The candidate did not use colour pens, sketch pens or colour pencils. He used one of the inks permitted for writing and the other permitted ink for underlining. The TNPSC invalidated his answer scripts. The First Bench of this Court held that when the candidate did not use colour pens, sketch pens or colour pencils, the TNPSC was not correct in invalidating the answer papers.
40. In the present appeals, as stated above, the respondent - candidates used colour pens, sketch pens and pencils that were prohibited as per instructions.
41. A Division Bench of the Punjab and Haryana High Court in Santosh v. State of Haryana in C.W.P No. 4819/2002 upheld the decision of the Haryana Public Service Commission cancelling the answer scripts pertaining to 3 subjects on account of violation of instructions. The Division Bench held as follows:
“Learned counsel for the Commission produced the said three papers in a sealed cover which was opened in Court and we perused the papers in question. Learned counsel for respondent No. 2 also filed written statement and the stand of the respondent No. 2 is that the petitioner had used Black Ink in the said papers which is specifically prohibited under the regulations. Upon perusal of the said three papers, we found that in the answer book pertaining to the subject of the General Knowledge, Black Ink has been used from page 4 (internal) till the end. So far as the answer book pertaining to the subject of Business Organisation and Management is concerned, the entire paper has been answered in Black Ink including the title page and similarly, the answer book pertaining to the subject of Business Organisation and Management is concerned, the entire paper has been answered in Black Ink including the title page and similarly, the answer book pertaining to the subject of Sociology, the entire paper has been answered in Black Ink including part of the title page.
It is specifically prohibited under instruction No. 3-A and it is provided therein that the candidate shall not use any other ink except Blue or Blue Black (copy of which has been annexed as Annexure P-1). The relevant extract of instruction to candidates read as under:
“INSTRUCTION TO CANDIDATES”
1. XX XX XX
2. XX XX XX
XX XX XX
3.(a) Disclosure of identity in any form like use of ink other than blue or blue black … writing of Roll Number and name at places other than specified writing of serial No. of the scripts or putting of any type of mark etc., will amount to use of unfair means and will be penalized by cancelling the paper and answering Zero marks.”
We are satisfied that the answer books of the petitioner pertaining to three subjects had been correctly cancelled on account of violation of instructions/rules and also on account of disclosure of identity. We had earlier expressed our opinion under similar circumstances in another case i.e, Civil Writ Petition No. 775 of 2000 (Narinder Gehleut v. State of Haryana) decided on 11.2.2000 Thus no case for interference has been made out by the petitioner.”
42. Mr. N.G.R Prasad, learned counsel appearing for the respondent No. 50 in W.A No. 1063 of 2009 sought to sustain the order of the learned single Judge and adopted the arguments advanced by the learned senior counsel for the TNPSC.
43. The learned Senior counsel for the TNPSC relied on the Division Bench judgments of this Court in W.P No. 17639 of 2001 etc., batch (decided on 25.02.2005) and W.A No. 585 of 2009 (decided on 11.11.2009).
44. W.P No. 17639 of 2001 etc., batch relates to recruitment of Sub-Inspector of Police. The Tamil Nadu Uniformed Services Recruitment Board resorted to zone wise selection, when the Rule do not provide for zone wise selection. The Division Bench held that State wise selection alone should have been conducted and the zone wise selection was bad. However, the Division Bench did not set aside the selection as there was no other infirmity in the selection and the selection was made on merits. Instead of conducting State wise selection, they had conducted zone wise selection. Hence, the said judgment is of no assistance to the respondent - TNPSC. Even in the said case, the persons who approached the Court were granted the relief, if they obtained more marks than the cut off marks in any of the zones.
45. In the another Division Bench judgment in W.A No. 585 of 2009, the TNPSC cancelled the provisional selection of the candidate for Group-IV Services on the ground that she failed to enclose the community certificate along with her application. The Division Bench held that the candidate produced all the essential certificates relating to qualification and that therefore, she was eligible to participate in the selection. It was also held that all the certificates that are required to be enclosed along with the application could not be treated equally. The community certificate could be produced even after the submission of application, but before provisional selection is made. Furthermore, the Division Bench found that the non-submission of certificate was not due to the fault of the candidate and it was due to the fact that the authorities belatedly issued the said certificate. In this regard, paras 7 and 20 of the said judgment are extracted hereunder:
“7. There can be no controversy that the instructions to candidates and the brochure bind the candidates and the Service Commission, according to which, the candidates are bound to produce all the necessary documents/certificates along with the application. In general, the application shall be rejected for non-production of such certificates/documents. But, in our considered opinion, an exception can be carved out to the same. At this juncture, it would be worthwhile to clarify that all certificates, which are required to be produced along with application, cannot be treated equally. There are some certificates, like certificates relating to the basic qualification etc., which are essential, without which the applications cannot be entertained at all. On the other hand, there are certain other certificates, like Community Certificate, certificates relating to special consideration, like Sports Certificates, NCC, NSS Certificates etc., which are not essential for entertaining the application of the candidates. So, there can be no controversy that non-production of the former kind of certificates within the cut off date, shall be a ground to reject the application summarily, as mentioned in the instructions to the candidates and information brochure, because, they relate to the essential qualifications for making application. To put it otherwise, unless the Service Commission is satisfied about the eligibility criteria based on the said certificates, it cannot entertain the applications, and therefore, the applications in such an event are to be necessarily rejected.
20. It is true that the first respondent did not produce the Community Certificate before the provisional list of selected candidates was finalized. On this score, in normal course, applying the principles stated above, this Court would have held that the claim of the first respondent for consideration under the reserved quota for Scheduled Tribe should be rejected. But, we do not propose to do so, for the simple reason, as we have elaborately narrated above that the first respondent cannot be blamed for the belated issuance of Community Certificate. As we have already stated, the request of the first respondent for issuance of Community Certificate was pending before the Revenue Divisional Officer for more than a decade. It is only in these special and peculiar circumstances, we are inclined to sustain the order of the learned single Judge.”
46. In our view, both the judgments relied on by the learned Senior counsel for the respondent - TNPSC are of no use. Those cases are not related to violation of instructions as to the writing of examinations, while the judgments cited by the learned Senior counsel for the appellants are directly on the point.
47. After reserving the orders, at the time of drafting the judgment, we noticed that the candidates selected for Group-I Services of the Tamil Nadu Government for the year 2000-2001 who are respondents and who have not chosen to appear before the learned single Judge, no proper service has been effected and even the substituted service ordered was carried out improperly in the sense, no names of the respondents have been published, by the order dated 21.2.2010, we have directed the learned counsel for the appellant to effect proper substituted service. Accordingly, paper publication has been effected in ‘Indian Express’ dated 23.2.2011, with the names of all the party respondents. Proof of service has been filed on behalf of the appellants. However, in spite of the same, the party respondents neither appeared in person nor through the counsel.
48. Our discussion would lead to the following conclusions:
i) The selection to the high brass Group-I services should have been made in a transparent and unbiased manner by the TNPSC, without giving scope or room for anybody to raise their little finger against such selection.
ii) TNPSC should have rejected the answer scripts, which are in violation of the instructions to the candidates and other criterion fixed by the TNPSC itself.
Iii) What made the TNPSC to entertain and value even the answer scripts which are in total violation of the conditions prescribed by the TNPSC has not been explained by TNPSC, which would drive us to arrive at one and only irresistible conclusion that everything is not well with the selection, compelling our interference into the same, to set right an illegality committed against genuine candidates.
iv) We are quite aware that by now most of the selected candidates have put in a considerable length of service. But, that does not mean that an illegally and improperly appointed candidates should be allowed to continue with their services at the cost of the genuine candidates, that too when their such illegal appointments were questioned from the beginning. Therefore, the illegally appointed candidates cannot claim any equity. In fact, as has already been pointed out by us supra, none of the selected candidates barring respondent Nos. 50, 52 and 57 have appeared before us, in spite of substituted service. This does not mean that only because they have not appeared before the court, we are setting aside the selection of some of them. But, we are constrained and compelled to set aside the selections of some of them, only because they have indulged in malpractices and grossly violated the instructions to the candidates, on which ground itself, their answer sheets should have been thrown out of consideration by the TNPSC itself.
v) It has been established before us by the appellants that had not the answer sheets of the candidates who have indulged in malpractices and grossly violated the instructions to the candidates, were evaluated, these appellants would have easily got through the selection procedure. This aspect has not been denied on the part of the TNPSC also.
vi) Though the appellants have submitted before us the calculation statements as to who many marks they should have been awarded, we are not going into that aspect since it is for the expert body to consider. However, we direct the TNPSC to consider their calculation statement also while revaluating their answer sheets.
48. For all the aforesaid reasons, the judgment of the learned single Judge is set aside and barring the eight respondents namely, S. Visakan, C. Shyamaladevi, R. Pandiarajan, K. Kingslin, K. Prabhakar, D. Padmavathi, M. Jayaraman and K. Varadharajan (R-11, 31, 30, 33, 38, 44, 54 and 91 in W.A No. 1063 of 2009) the selection and appointment of all the other 83 respondents are set aside for having indulged in malpractices and for grossly violating the instructions to the candidates, as has been pointed out by us supra. It has been established before us by the appellants that had the answer sheets of the candidates who have indulged in malpractices and indulged in gross violation of the instructions to the candidates, were excluded, these appellants would have got through the selection. Therefore, the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission is directed to revalue the answer sheets of only the candidates who have not indulged in violation of any of the instructions and by excluding the candidates who committed such gross violations and errors and prepare the merit list afresh and go on with their appointment. But, since the appellants have not put in any service, and taking into consideration the duties and responsibilities attached to the posts to which they have to be appointed, we are not directing the Government to grant them the seniority. This should be read only as that the appellants should be appointed, according to their merit, after re-valuating their answer sheets, but they should be placed below all the serving candidates (of course, debarring the selection of illegally appointed candidates as is directed in this judgment), as on date, in the respective cadres. The entire process shall be completed within six weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this judgment, keeping in mind the observations made by us in this judgment.
The writ appeals are allowed accordingly. No costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petition is closed.
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