Preeti Singh vs Union Of India & Ors.

Hon’ble Ms. Harvinder Kaur Oberoi, Member (J)

The applicant is presently serving as a Post Graduate Teacher (English) in Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS). Learned counsel for the applicant submits that the applicant applied for the post of Principal pursuant to Recruitment Notification No. 01/2025 dated 13.11.2025, issued the respondents. He further submits that the applicant initially joined service in the year 2002 and was, at that time, considered under the OBC (NCL) category, as she belongs to the JAAT community, which was then included in the Central List of OBCs. Accordingly, she availed herself of the reservation benefits applicable to the said category. However, the JAAT community was subsequently removed from the Central List in the year 2016. Despite this, the applicant applied under the OBC (NCL) category in the present recruitment process, seeking the corresponding reservation benefits. Learned counsel further submits that the applicant qualified in Tier-I and Tier-II of the examination and was called for an interview. However, her candidature was rejected on the ground that she had failed to furnish a valid OBC (NCL) certificate.

Mr. S. Rajappa, Mr. U. N. Singh, Mr. A. K. Pandey, Mr. Dilbag Singh and Ms. Anamika Ghai, learned counsel, appear on behalf of the respondents.

We have heard learned counsel for the applicant for some time and have considered the submissions advanced. In our considered view, no case for interference is made out. The applicant was aware that, following the removal of the JAAT community from the Central List of OBCs in 2016, she was no longer entitled to claim reservation benefits under the OBC (NCL) category on that basis. Despite being aware of this position, she chose to apply under the said category in the present recruitment process. In these circumstances, we find no infirmity in the decision of the respondents to reject her candidature.

In view of the above, the Original Application is dismissed at the admission stage. Pending MAs, if any, shall also stand disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs.