OBC candidate scores more than general selectee after age relaxation, Centre opposes category switch in SC

An OBC candidate from Tripura who scored more marks than a selected general category candidate in a 2018 constable recruitment examination was denied selection after using age relaxation to become eligible, according to the case before the Supreme Court, TOI reported. The Centre has challenged Tripura High Court rulings that directed authorities to consider Jayant Debnath for selection, arguing that recruitment rules do not permit candidates who use reserved-category age relaxation to migrate to the general category.

The case concerns recruitment for constables in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), the National Investigation Agency (NIA), the Secretariat Security Force and riflemen in Assam Rifles. Jayant Debnath secured 55.1 marks, while general category candidate Sagar Debnath was selected with 46.26 marks.

Why the OBC candidate was denied selection

The Centre said the cut-off for OBC candidates was 60 marks, higher than the general category cut-off, because of the limited number of vacancies available in the OBC category.


It also argued that candidates who avail themselves of age relaxation on the basis of reserved-category status cannot subsequently seek migration to the general category. Since Jayant had used the age-relaxation benefit to qualify for the examination, the Centre maintained that he could not be considered under the general category despite scoring more marks than a selected candidate.

What Tripura High Court ruled

Both a single-judge bench and a division bench of the Tripura High Court ruled that Jayant should be considered for selection as a constable. The Centre has appealed against these judgments in the Supreme Court.

Appearing for the Centre, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati told a bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana on Monday that the recruitment rules clearly barred candidates who had availed themselves of age relaxation as members of a reserved category from migrating to the general category.

The Supreme Court is hearing the Centre’s challenge to the High Court rulings.