Jharkhand Candidates Challenge Governments Decision to Cancel Exams in High Court

August 19, 2026

Ranchi, August 19: Candidates affected by the Jharkhand government’s decision to cancel 22 recruitment exams have approached the Jharkhand High Court. Three separate petitions were filed on Tuesday and Wednesday. These include selected candidates from the 11th to 13th JPSC Combined Civil Service Examination, as well as candidates related to the Food Safety Officer exam.

Selected candidates from the JSSC-CGL have also challenged the government’s decision, seeking an expedited hearing. Currently, these petitions are not listed for hearing. Among the petitioners are Avadhesh Kumar, Deepmala, Sonam Kumari, Saurabh Singh, and other successful candidates. Their main argument is that the government unilaterally canceled the exams and appointments without hearing their side. Many candidates have already joined government service after selection, putting their jobs directly at risk due to this decision.

The candidates have also cited the principle of natural justice in their favor. They argue that if any candidate’s role is found suspicious during an investigation, action should be taken against them. However, it is unjust to dismiss all successful candidates without investigation and hearing. They claim to have followed the prescribed process, passed the exams, and secured their appointments.

In the case of JSSC-CGL, some petitioners have argued that the exam results were released following previous High Court orders. Therefore, the legality of the government’s decision to cancel the entire exam has also been questioned. The High Court’s stance on these matters will be crucial.

The Jharkhand government decided to cancel a large number of exams based on findings from CID and SIT investigations into alleged irregularities in competitive examinations. This includes exams for various positions such as the 11th to 13th JPSC Combined Civil Service Examination, JSSC-CGL, Civil Judge, Deputy Collector, Food Safety Officer, Drug Inspector, Assistant Professor, Lecturer, Assistant Engineer, Forest Range Officer, and Assistant Forest Conservator.