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Holding that "the interference by the high court in this area is certainly in narrow compass," the Madras High Court recently refused to interfere in the assessment made by the Recruiting Authority in candidates selection for police constable post. 

The bench of Justice S.M. Subramaniam observed, "The Authorities Competent, while conducting the process of selection, is empowered to verify the eligibility and suitability of a candidate for appointment to a particular post. The assessment of eligibility or suitability is the subjective satisfaction of the Competent Authorities, who are conducting the process of selection."

Court further noted, 

"However, if there is an allegation of malafide or certain serious allegations warranting interference, then alone, the writ needs to be entertained, but not otherwise."

The Court was hearing a matter, wherein one A. Jegadeesan, a prospective candidate in a police constable post had challenged the rejection of his candidature. Jegadeesan had passed the written test and had participated in the Physical Measurement and Endurance Test.

However, at the time of verification of antecedents, the Recruiting Authorities found that a criminal case was registered as against Jegadeesan which he had failed to indicate in his application. Thus, the Superintendent of Police had passed an order for rejection of candidature citing two reasons.

First 'suppression of fact regarding the criminal case' and second that 'the Authorities had found that the verification of antecedents revealed that the eligibility and suitability of the Jegadeesan for uniformed services were not satisfied'.

Taking note of these facts, Court while dismissing the petition noted that Jagdeesan had not satisfied both conditions hence there was no infirmity in respect of reasonings stated in the order impugned. 

A.Jegadeesan  Vs. The Chairman, Tamil Nadu Uniformed Services Recruitment Board