The Telangana Public Service Commission (TSPSC) faced a setback as the High Court dismissed its appeal to set aside the cancellation of the Group-I Preliminary examination held on June 11. The court criticized the TSPSC for not issuing an addendum regarding the biometric screening of candidates, which raised doubts of impersonation. The court also questioned why the same biometric system was not put in place for the second time. The court emphasized that conducting the exam in a fair and transparent manner is crucial.
The court highlighted that even if 10-15 people impersonate, it would defeat the purpose of conducting the exam and cause irreparable loss to the hardworking candidates. The court referenced a Supreme Court judgment that stated instructions are binding on both the commission and candidates. Therefore, the TSPSC should not have dispensed with the biometric attendance.
The court also found fault with the TSPSC for providing false information on the number of candidates in its web notes. It noted an increase of 258 candidates in the second web note, raising doubts about the credibility of the exam. The court questioned the commission about this discrepancy.
Additionally, the court pointed out that only one invigilator signed the nominal rolls instead of the required two, and the TSPSC did not provide an explanation for this. The court emphasized that the commission should have prescribed a procedure to mark candidate attendance to prevent impersonation.
The bench upheld the single judge’s order to cancel the Group-I exam and dismissed the writ appeal. The TSPSC now has to approach the Supreme Court against this decision.
