Supreme Court Rules on Rajasthan SI Exam 2025: No Postponement, Provisional Relief Granted
In a significant development just three days before the Rajasthan Sub-Inspector (SI) and Platoon Commander Recruitment Examination 2025, the Supreme Court of India on Thursday declined to postpone the test. However, the court provided interim relief to candidates from the cancelled 2021 recruitment drive by granting them provisional age relaxation to appear in the upcoming exam.
Court's Decision and Provisional Allowance
A bench comprising Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice Satish Chandra Sharma issued the order while hearing a petition filed by Suraj Mal Meena. The plea specifically sought permission for 2021 candidates to sit for the 2025 exam, scheduled for April 5 and 6, pending a final decision from the Rajasthan High Court on age relaxation. The Supreme Court allowed such candidates to appear provisionally, emphasizing that this participation is temporary and does not confer any rights or equity.
Arguments Presented by Both Sides
Senior advocates P B Suresh and Harendra Neel, representing the petitioner, argued that candidates from the 2021 recruitment had become overage due to delays and were awaiting the High Court's judgment, with hearings concluding on January 19. They contended that denying these candidates an opportunity to appear would cause irreparable prejudice, as the exam schedule had already been announced.
In opposition, the state government's additional advocate general, Shiv Mangal Sharma, argued that thousands of candidates were prepared to appear, and all logistical arrangements for the exam were complete. He warned that cancelling or postponing the exam at the last moment would lead to administrative chaos and negatively impact public interest.
Background of the 2021 Exam Cancellation
The 2021 Rajasthan SI recruitment exam was cancelled by the High Court on August 28, 2025, following allegations of a paper leak and other irregularities. Although age relaxation was recommended for the affected candidates, no special provision was implemented, sparking fresh litigation and leading to the current Supreme Court intervention.
Conditions and Future Implications
The Supreme Court agreed with the state government's concerns and refused to stay or cancel the 2025 exam. However, to balance the interests of the 2021 candidates, it permitted their provisional appearance. The court further directed that the results of these candidates will not be declared until the High Court pronounces its final judgment on the age relaxation issue. This ruling aims to maintain administrative order while addressing the grievances of overage candidates awaiting resolution.
