SC lifts stay on KPSC’s revised 2021 JTO select list, allowing appointments to proceed

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: The Supreme Court has lifted its stay on the Karnataka Public Service Commission's (KPSC) decision to publish the revised 2021 select list of Junior Training Officers (JTOs). This follows a plea by the state government, requesting permission to proceed with appointments to address the significant shortage of employees affecting state operations. The bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Prasanna B. Varale permitted the KPSC and state government to publish the revised merit list and make appointments accordingly as per reports.

The court's ruling overturned the Karnataka High Court's order that had directed the revision of the select list. However, the bench clarified that individuals who have already been appointed and are working will not be disturbed, even if found to be wrongly selected until the writ petitions are finally decided by the High Court. All appointments made will be subject to the High Court’s final decision. The court's order came in response to petitions filed by Chetan Bogar and others, led by senior advocate Sanjay M. Nuli, who challenged the High Court’s orders of March 20 and June 21, 2024. The Supreme Court had stayed the High Court's directive on July 2, 2024, which required the opening of sealed covers and the implementation of the revised select list within three months.

The state government argued that the recruitment process had been delayed, resulting in nearly 2,000 vacancies, which was significantly hampering state functions. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing the state, highlighted the adverse impact on public services due to the shortage of employees.