
The Haryana Story reports a significant development in a case involving the Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC) and the son of a disabled ex-serviceman. The Punjab and Haryana High Court has taken a strong stance against the HPSC, imposing a hefty fine of Rs 10 lakh for denying reservation benefits to the son of a soldier wounded in action.
Court's Harsh Criticism of HPSC
Justice Mahabir Singh Sindhu, who presided over the case, did not mince words in his criticism of the HPSC. The court accused the commission of showing "complete disrespect to a soldier wounded in action" by denying his son the rightful reservation in the recruitment process for sub-inspectors. This strong rebuke highlights the court's commitment to protecting the rights of those who have served the nation.
The Case Details
The case revolves around a recruitment drive for sub-inspectors in the Haryana Police. The petitioner, son of an ex-serviceman who suffered 90% disability from a rocket launcher injury during a military operation in Sri Lanka in 1995, was denied reservation benefits. The HPSC claimed that the petitioner failed to attach the required eligibility certificate for dependents of ex-servicemen disabled beyond 50%.
However, Justice Sindhu found this explanation unsatisfactory. He pointed out that the proforma did not clearly indicate the need for a separate eligibility certificate for dependents of disabled ex-servicemen. The court concluded that the HPSC had "grossly erred" in depriving the petitioner of his lawful claim.
Court's Directives and Compensation
In a landmark decision, the court has directed the HPSC to:
- Treat the petitioner as a dependent of an ex-serviceman disabled beyond 50%
- Proceed with the case according to law within three months
- Pay Rs 10 lakh as exemplary costs to the petitioner within three months
Justice Sindhu emphasized that this hefty fine serves two purposes: to alleviate the petitioner's hardships and to deter similar actions by the commission in the future.
The Haryana Story notes that this case has broader implications for how government bodies treat the dependents of disabled veterans. It underscores the judiciary's role in ensuring fair treatment and upholding the rights of those who have sacrificed for the nation.
As this story develops, it will be crucial to observe how the HPSC responds to the court's directives and whether this case leads to any systemic changes in how reservation policies are implemented for dependents of disabled ex-servicemen in Haryana and potentially across India.