State PSC, SSB selection process should be videographed, Supreme Court [Read order]

The Supreme Court has directed that selection process conducted by State Public Service Commissions (PSC) and State Selection Boards should be videographed.

. The order was passed by a Bench comprising of Justices AK Goel and Rohinton Fali Nariman while dealing with a case relating to a scam in the appointment of Assistant Teachers in Government Lower Primary Schools in the State of Meghalaya.

. By way of background, in the year 2009, a selection process was held for filling up vacancies for the post of lower primary teachers. This selection process was challenged in the Meghalaya High Court in the year 2011. A single judge of the High Court found that there was strong prima facie evidence of massive irregularities, arbitrariness, and manipulations. The Bench then directed the CBI to inquire into the matter.

. On appeal to a Division Bench of the High Court, it was held that inquiry by CBI was not required and that the matter ought to have been left for appropriate scrutiny and inquiry by the Government.

. The Division Bench further directed that the services of the tainted candidates should be terminated while the services of the bonafide untainted candidates should be retained and also directed that the unselected candidates who were found eligible should be appointed.

. This was then challenged in the Supreme Court which remitted the case back to the High Court directing the High Court to take a re-look at the matter.

. Pursuant to the same, Meghalaya High Court considered the matter again and directed the CBI to conduct a fresh investigation into the matter.

. This order was challenged in the Supreme Court by way of SLP. The Supreme Court held that there was no need to interfere with the order of the High Court.

. The Court observed that there are serious irregularities in the selection process of appointment of assistant teachers in government lower primary schools in the State of Meghalaya. The Bench further observed that such incidents are being reported in several cases.

. “It has been found that there are serious irregularities in the selection process of appointment of assistant teachers in government lower primary schools in the State of Meghalalya. Such incidents are being reported in several cases.”

. The Court held that in order to ensure “purity of selection to public posts”, it is desirable that as far as possible, the selection process conducted by the selection bodies, especially State PSC and the State Selection Boards be videographed.

. The Court, therefore, directed that CCTV cameras be installed at examination centers as well as interview centers to the most viable extent and the footage be seen by an independent committee of three members and the report of the Committee be placed on the website concerned.

. “We are of the view that for the purity of selection to the public posts, it is desirable that as far as possible the selection process conducted by the selection bodies, especially the State Public Service Commissions and the State Selection Boards, is videographed. It is desirable that at examination centres as well as interview centres CCTV cameras are installed to the extent viable. Footage thereof may be seen by an independent committee of three members and report of such committee may be placed on the website concerned.”

. Read the order below.

. Read Meghalaya HC verdict:

State PSC, SSB selection process should be videographed, Supreme Court [Read order]

Chandan Goswami

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