Jharkhand High Court Disposes JSSC Recruitment Writ on Ground of Settled Law
W.P.(S) No. 7725 of 2025
Aranjay Kumar v. State of Jharkhand & Ors.
Facts of the Case
The petitioner, Aranjay Kumar, approached the Jharkhand High Court under Article 226 of the Constitution, challenging alleged irregularities in the preparation and publication of revised merit lis
ts and appointments made by the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC). The grievance related to selection and appointment processes post directions of the Supreme Court dated 02.08.2022, particularly alleging violation of merit and equal opportunity in public employment.
The issue raised by the petitioner was not novel and had already been adjudicated in detail by a Coordinate Single Bench of the same High Court in Mina Kumari v. State of Jharkhand (W.P.(S) No. 582 of 2023), where extensive directions were issued, including the constitution of a One-Man Fact-Finding Commission headed by a retired High Court judge.
Issues Before the Court
Whether the present writ petition raised any issue distinct from or independent of the issues already decided in Mina Kumari v. State of Jharkhand.
Whether the petitioner was entitled to any relief beyond what had already 1 been granted by the Coordinate Bench in the earlier judgment.
Whether judicial discipline required adherence to the earlier Coordinate Bench decision.
Contentions
Petitioner
The petitioner submitted that his grievance was identical to that raised in Mina Kumari and sought similar relief, particularly in relation to appointment irregularities and denial of fair consideration despite higher merit.
Decision / Holding
The High Court disposed of the writ petition, holding that:
The issues raised were squarely covered by the judgment in Mina Kumari v. State of Jharkhand.
The petitioner was entitled to the same treatment and benefit as directed in the earlier case.
Any outcome of the pending Letters Patent Appeal would automatically apply to the present petitioner as well.
Relief Granted
The writ petition was disposed of in terms of the final directions issued in Mina Kumari v. State of Jharkhand. All directions regarding the One-Man Fact-Finding Commission, protection of existing appointees, filling of remaining vacancies, and redressal mechanisms were made applicable to the petitioner.Pending interlocutory applications, if any, were also disposed of.
