Karnataka High Court Nullifies Teacher Selection Lists Over Mid-Process Rule Changes

The Karnataka High Court has set aside selection lists for teacher recruitment, finding that authorities had impermissibly modified the selection norms midway through the recruitment process. The bench determined that the alteration of criteria after candidates had already applied and competed constituted a breach of established recruitment procedures.

In its order, the court directed the selection and recruitment authorities to immediately prepare fresh selection lists adhering strictly to the original norms under which candidates had applied. This decision effectively invalidates the previously issued selection lists and requires authorities to restart the process of finalising candidates based on the initial parameters.

The bench further mandated that appointment orders must be issued to the selected candidates within a three-month timeframe once the revised selection list is prepared in accordance with the original norms. The court's intervention underscores the importance of maintaining consistency in recruitment procedures and protecting candidates' interests during the hiring process.

The judgment is expected to set a precedent for how recruitment authorities in the state handle selection criteria and highlights judicial scrutiny of administrative actions that alter the terms of public recruitment processes.