Karnataka HC criticises state for denying SC candidate job due to clerical error

The Karnataka High Court has taken the state government to task for denying appointment to a scheduled caste candidate due to a clerical error committed by its own officials. The court's remarks came while examining the case of a candidate who had successfully cleared the Karnataka Public Service Commission's competitive examination for the Excise Guard post more than a decade ago. The candidate, identified as Manjunath, had qualified for the position in 2010 but was subsequently denied appointment owing to a discrepancy in his date of birth recorded in official documents. The HC observed that a developing nation aspiring to be truly advanced must maintain a transparent and equitable administrative framework that does not penalise citizens for errors made by government functionaries. The court's intervention highlights the persistent issue of bureaucratic negligence affecting the career prospects of qualified candidates, particularly those from marginalised communities. The judgment underscores the judiciary's concern over administrative practices that undermine meritocracy and fair recruitment processes in public service appointments.