Genuine medical grounds justify extension for joining training if fresh appointment offer resets the prescribed timeline.

The respondent was selected as a Sub-Inspector (Executive) (Female) in the Delhi Police via the 2018 Central Police Organization Examination.

In August 2021, she was directed to report for training but sought an extension due to lower back pain; she was subsequently permitted to join the next batch.

On August 16, 2022, the petitioners issued a fresh offer of appointment.

The respondent again sought extensions in November and December 2022 due to hepatitis, supported by medical certificates.

The petitioners rejected further extensions and cancelled her candidature on March 27, 2023, after a show-cause notice.

The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) set aside the cancellation on November 7, 2025, directing the petitioners to allow her to join the next batch.

The Union of India challenged this order before the High Court.

1. Whether the respondent’s repeated requests for extension of joining time justified the cancellation of her candidature.

2. Whether the issuance of a fresh offer of appointment on August 16, 2022, reset the timeline for joining under relevant DOPT instructions.

DOPT OM dated August 9, 1995, which stipulates that an offer of appointment should normally lapse after six months from the date of the original offer, though extensions up to three months can be granted, and beyond that only as an exception.

The principle that candidates do not have an infinite right to seek extensions balanced against the administrative duty to act reasonably when genuine medical conditions are presented.

The Court observed that while candidates cannot seek extensions ad infinitum, the petitioners effectively reset the "clock" by issuing a fresh offer of appointment on August 16, 2022.

Consequently, her request for a further 14–15 days beyond the December 13, 2022, deadline was reasonable, especially since the petitioners never doubted the genuineness of her medical documents regarding hepatitis.

The Court found that hepatitis is a debilitating condition that prevents immediate physical training.

Given that the respondent remained unemployed during the four-year litigation period, the Court determined that the CAT’s direction to allow her to join was not faulty under these "peculiar facts".

The Court directed the respondent to join training with the next batch within two weeks, subject to medical fitness.

The Court held that no further extensions would be permitted on any ground, and any such request would result in the ipso facto cancellation of her candidature.

The ruling was clarified to be based on the specific circumstances of the fresh offer issued in August 2022.