Jharkhand exam row: HC asks govt to file counter affidavit in JPSC case by Sept 18

Ranchi, Sep 15 (PTI) The Jharkhand High Court on Tuesday directed the state government to file its counter affidavit by September 18 in a case challenging the cancellation of appointments made through the 11th and 13th JPSC examinations.

The court had on August 20 stayed the operation of the government's notifications cancelling the appointments of candidates selected through the 11th and 13th Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) examinations.

It had also stayed the order cancelling the appointments of food safety officers.

While hearing a batch of petitions challenging the government notifications of August 20, Justice Deepak Roshan had directed the state to file its response by September 15.

Following the court's interim order, the petitioners and other employees selected through the 11th and 13th JPSC examinations, whose appointments were affected by the government notification, were allowed to continue in their respective posts.

The state government sought four weeks' time to file its counter affidavit, but the court declined the request and fixed September 18 as the next date of hearing.

The court, however, had made it clear that candidates found to have secured appointments through any foul play during the investigation would face consequences, including termination from service.

It had further said that the final status of the candidates' appointments would be decided after completion of the investigation and in accordance with the outcome of the case.