Facts
The petitioner, an Ex-serviceman, applied for the post of Sub-Engineer (Civil) under the Ex-servicemen reservation category pursuant to a notification issued by the State of Chhattisgarh
Source reference: p. 2The petitioner alleged that the respondent authorities were extending benefits to other applicants who were already naturally employed by the State Government, despite State circulars dated 23.07.2016, 04.06.2007, and 19.01.2026, which mandate that reservation for Ex-servicemen is a one-time benefit
Source reference: p. 2-3The petitioner submitted a representation on 10.02.2026 regarding these grievances which remained pending
Source reference: p. 3Consequently, the petitioner filed this writ petition seeking a direction for the completion of the recruitment process and the grant of reservation benefits
Source reference: p. 2Issues
1. Whether the respondent authorities are obligated to consider and decide upon the petitioner's representation regarding the proper application of the Ex-servicemen reservation policy in the recruitment of Sub-Engineers (Civil)
Source reference: p. 3Law Applied
The court's directions are predicated on the principles of administrative law and the right to have a representation considered by the State.
Source reference: no citationState of Chhattisgarh’s circulars/policies dated 23.07.2016, 04.06.2007, and 19.01.2026, which stipulate that the benefit of reservation for Ex-servicemen is a one-time measure and cannot be claimed by those already holding government employment under said quota
Source reference: p. 2-3Reasoning
The Court did not adjudicate on the merits of the petitioner's claim regarding the misapplication of reservation quotas by the respondents. Instead, it focused on the procedural lapse of the respondents in not deciding the petitioner’s pending representation
Source reference: p. 3Given the limited prayer for a direction to decide the representation, and the State's lack of objection to such a direction, the Court determined that the appropriate remedy was to allow the petitioner to submit a fresh representation to be decided in a time-bound manner according to law
Source reference: p. 3-4Holding
The High Court disposed of the writ petition without entering into the merits.
The Court directed the respondent authorities to consider and decide the said representation in accordance with the law expeditiously, preferably within two months from the date of receipt of the order
Source reference: p. 3, para 5Original Court PDF
SURYA PRAKASH SHUKLAvsSTATE OF CHHATTISGARH
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