The Supreme Court of India on Monday dismissed a batch of Special Leave Petitions (SLPs) challenging the Rajasthan High Court's order that recommended cancellation of the Sub-Inspector (SI) recruitment-2021 at the threshold without issuing notice. The Court effectively upheld the decision of the Rajasthan High Court, which had earlier ordered to quash the entire recruitment process over a large-scale paper leak.
Bench's Decision
A Bench comprising Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice Satish Chandra Sharma declined to interfere at the admission stage, affirming the High Court's April 4, 2026 judgment that ordered a fresh examination, and dismissed the SLPs. The petitions, including Payal Sharma & Ors. vs State of Rajasthan & Ors., challenged the High Court's ruling that invalidated the recruitment process.
Arguments Presented
Despite detailed submissions by senior advocates, including Abhishek Manu Singhvi and P. S. Patwalia, the apex court refused to issue notice and dismissed the pleas outright. The petitioners argued that there was no mass leak and statistical patterns did not indicate widespread malpractice. “Only about 6.3% of candidates were allegedly tainted and could be segregated. More than 838 candidates had already been appointed and served for over two years, with significant public resources spent on their training,” the petitioner's advocates argued.
Senior advocate Jaideep Gupta and Advocate Harendra Neel, appearing for the respondent Kailash Chandra Sharma, countered, “Segregation is not possible as the paper was leaked on social media and was circulated throughout the state. Even the conduct of 6 RPSC members as per single bench order affected the sanctity of the examination process.”
Court's Observations
After hearing the arguments, the Court made strong observations regarding the credibility of the recruitment process. "The involvement of a member of the Rajasthan Public Service Commission—who was arrested in connection with the paper leak and whose bail was cancelled—pointed to a deep-rooted systemic failure," the court observed. "In cases of widespread irregularities, the only legal option is to separate 'tainted' from 'untainted' candidates. However, in this case, such segregation was deemed impossible. It is not possible to segregate," said the Bench.
The bench further stated that when the integrity of the process itself is compromised, the entire selection becomes unreliable. The bench made it clear that the Court cannot endorse a recruitment process “clouded by serious irregularities” involving a large-scale leak. However, the Court found no merit in these submissions and upheld the High Court's findings that the process stood fundamentally vitiated. The court has also dismissed the SLP filed by former chairman Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC) demanding to expunge the adverse remarks against him.
Limited Relief Granted
While dismissing the SLPs, the Court granted limited relief. The court said that the candidates currently employed in Central Government services or Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) may approach the High Court through review petitions for age relaxation in similar examination of the police force. They can seek parity with State Government employees who had been granted certain protections earlier.
