Premium

‘Selection process should identify well-rounded public servants’: High court backs Haryana screening process

The Punjab and Haryana High Court backs Haryana Public Service Commission’s (HPSC) decision to conduct a general awareness–based screening test.

3 min readChandigarhNov 5, 2025 02:26 PM IST

In a blistering 41-page order on September 29, Justice Kuldeep Tiwari directed that Rs 1 crore be given to the family of a student killed in the incident and Rs 50 lakh to a minor girl whose arm was amputated. (Express Photo)

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has upheld the Haryana Public Service Commission’s (HPSC) decision to conduct a general awareness–based screening test for the recruitment of assistant environmental engineers in the Haryana State Pollution Control Board, dismissing a petition challenging the syllabus.

In Amit Ahalawat vs State of Haryana and others, Justice Harpreet Singh Brar held that the syllabus, which includes general science, current events, history, geography, polity, economy, mental ability, numeracy, data interpretation and Haryana-specific knowledge, serves a legitimate purpose in shortlisting candidates for what the court described as a technical yet interdisciplinary public role.

The petitioner, a civil engineering postgraduate, had argued that the revised syllabus removed core engineering subjects that were part of an earlier recruitment cycle, and therefore lacked a rational link to the technical nature of the post, which requires a degree in civil, chemical or environmental engineering.

Rejecting this contention, the court said examinations based on narrow technical syllabi tend to encourage rote learning rather than evaluating the qualities needed in public service. “Such an approach often fails to account for creativity, adaptability, emotional intelligence and other such skills that are essential for effective administration,” the court observed.

It described the shift to broader general awareness as “a welcome step” aimed at assessing “overall intelligence quotient and situational judgment”. Such an approach, the ruling noted, is more likely to produce “well-rounded public servants capable of nuanced application of knowledge.”

The court further noted that the role requires officers to be aware of scientific developments, socio-economic trends and public policy changes. It accepted the state’s argument that the screening test is only a qualifying stage and does not determine final merit, and is therefore proportionate for shortlisting candidates from a large pool of similarly qualified applicants.

The bench also recorded that a previous recruitment cycle had resulted in several vacancies remaining unfilled and that the current screening format was designed to expedite appointments.

Story continues below this ad

Referring to Supreme Court precedents, the court reiterated that it would not interfere with policy decisions of recruiting bodies unless they are shown to be arbitrary or unreasonable. Finding no such infirmity, it dismissed the petition along with pending applications.

Manraj Grewal Sharma

Manraj Grewal Sharma is a senior journalist and the Resident Editor of The Indian Express in Chandigarh, where she leads the newspaper’s coverage of north India’s most politically and institutionally significant regions. From Punjab and Haryana to Himachal Pradesh and the Union Territory of Chandigarh, she oversees reporting at the intersection of governance, law, politics and society. She also reports on the diaspora, especially in Canada and the US. With a career spanning journalism across several countries, academia and international development, Manraj brings a rare depth of perspective to regional reporting. She is widely regarded as a leading chronicler of Punjab’s contemporary history and socio-political evolution, particularly its long shadow of militancy, federal tensions and identity politics. Her book, Dreams after Darkness, remains a definitive account of the militancy years and their enduring aftermath. Professional Background & Expertise A gold medalist in mass communication and a post-graduate in English literature, Manraj has a multifaceted career spanning journalism, academia, and international development. She was also awarded a fellowship by National Foundation of India and did several in-depth pieces on Manipur. Internationally, she has reported from Israel, US, UK, Myanmar, and Mauritius Her key focus areas include: Regional Politics, History, Agriculture, Diaspora, and Security. Of late, she has started focusing on Legal & Judicial Affairs: Much of her recent work involves reporting on high-stakes cases in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, ranging from environmental policy to civil rights. International Consulting: She previously served as a consulting editor for the Asia Pacific Adaptation Network and a publishing consultant for the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Manila. Academia: For five years, she was the managing editor of Gender, Technology and Development, a peer-reviewed international journal at the Asian Institute of Technology, Bangkok. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Her recent reportage focuses heavily on judicial interventions and regional governance: 1. Environment & Governance "‘NGT can’t test legality of policy’: HC hears challenge to Punjab’s ‘Green Habitat’ plan" (Dec 22, 2025): Covering a critical legal battle over whether the National Green Tribunal has the authority to strike down a state policy regularizing farmhouses on delisted forest land. "High court pulls up Punjab poll panel over audio clip probe" (Dec 10, 2025): Reporting on judicial concerns regarding the transparency and fairness of local body elections. 2. Legal Rights & Social Welfare "HC issues notice to Punjab, Haryana over delay in building old age homes" (Dec 22, 2025): Reporting on a contempt petition against top officials for failing to establish government-run homes for the elderly as promised in 2019. "Victims can appeal acquittals in sessions court without seeking special leave" (Dec 19, 2025): Highlighting a significant procedural shift in criminal law following a Supreme Court ruling. "HC upholds benefits for Punjab FCI officer acquitted in 20-year-old bribery case" (Dec 19, 2025): A report on the concept of "honourable acquittal" and its impact on employee benefits. 3. Human Rights & Identity "As Punjab denies parole to MP Amritpal Singh, HC asks it to submit ‘foundational material’" (Dec 1, 2025): Covering the legal proceedings regarding the radical preacher and sitting MP's request to attend Parliament. "Protecting life paramount: HC backs Muslim woman in live-in after verbal divorce" (Nov 6, 2025): Analyzing judicial protections for personal liberty in the context of traditional practices. Signature Beats Manraj is recognized for her ability to decode complex judicial rulings and relate them to the everyday lives of citizens. Whether it is a 30-year-old land battle in Fazilka or the political implications of Kangana Ranaut’s candidacy in Mandi, her writing provides deep historical and regional context. Contact @grewal_sharma on X manrajgrewalsharma on Instagram ... Read More

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram

Tags:
Haryana

Loading Recommendations...

Mar 08: Latest News

Live Blog