Soni Sharma vs Union Of India & Ors.

In the present Original Application, filed under Section 19 of the Administrative Act, 1985 the applicant has prayed for the following relief:-

The applicant, Ms. Soni Sharma, aged about 23 years, is an EWS female candidate who participated in the recruitment process for the post of Constable (Executive) Female in Delhi Police Examination, 2025, conducted pursuant to the Examination Notice issued by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC). The applicant appeared in the Computer Based Examination (CBE) on 27.12.2025 and secured 67.7655 normalized marks. Thereafter, she was shortlisted for the Physical Endurance and Measurement Test (PE&MT). On 20.08.2026, the applicant appeared for the PE&MT at the Delhi Police Academy, Wazirabad, Delhi. However, she was declared unsuccessful on the ground that she did not meet the prescribed minimum height requirement of 157 cm for female candidates and was excluded from further participation in the recruitment process. The learned counsel for the applicant contends that the aforesaid height measurement was incorrect. She further submits that the respondents have not supplied her with the exact height recorded during the test, the original measurement sheet or the rejection slip indicating the alleged deficiency. The applicant subsequently participated in the recruitment process for the post of Head Constable (Assistant Wireless Operator/Tele-Printer Operator) in Delhi Police Examination, 2025, wherein the prescribed minimum height for female candidates was also 157 cm. On 30.09.2026, during the PE&MT for the post of Head Constable, the applicant's height was measured at 157 cm, and she was found to have satisfied the prescribed physical measurement standard. The learned counsel for the applicant submits that this subsequent measurement, conducted by the same Delhi Police recruitment establishment only 41 days after the earlier test, raises a serious doubt regarding the correctness of the measurement taken on 20.08.2026. The applicant also relies upon her participation in the Constable (GD) in CAPFs/Assam Rifles Examination, 2021, wherein her height was stated to have been measured at 157 cm during the physical test held on 06.06.2022.

On 01.10.2026, the applicant submitted a representation to the Commissioner of Police, Delhi Police, seeking fresh and independent re-measurement of her height by a duly constituted Government Medical/Physical Measurement Board. She also requested preservation and examination of the original physical measurement records, digital measurement data, photographs, video/CCTV footage, if available, and other relevant records pertaining to both examinations.

The learned counsel for the applicant relies upon the judgment dated 20.09.2024 passed by this Tribunal in OA No. 3670/2024, Ashok Kumar Saini v. Union of India & Others, wherein fresh examination of height by a Government Medical Board was directed in a case involving a dispute concerning physical measurement. The learned counsel for the applicant further submits that the applicant’s height be remeasured by the competent authorities through both manual and digital methods to ensure accuracy and transparency.

Issue notice. Ms. Sangeeta Singh, learned counsel for the respondents who appears on advance service accepts notice. Learned counsel for the respondents seeks four weeks’ time to file reply.

We have heard learned counsels for the parties.

Having heard the parties and perused the pleadings available on record, we are of the view that the end of justice would meet if the respondents are directed to get the height of the applicant measured fresh strictly according to the rules and instructions governing the subject and also with the methodology adopted for measuring the height of other candidates for the selection for the post of Constable (Executive) Female Ordered accordingly, the said measurement would be got done in an appropriate institution to be decided by the respondents as per Rules and instructions on the subject. Subject to the outcome of measurement, the necessary action as a consequence with respect to the applicant’s participation or otherwise in the Physical Endurance and Measurement Test (PE &MT) shall also be taken within one week thereafter. In the event the applicant participates in the Physical Endurance and Measurement Test (PE &MT) and is successful therein, he shall be entitled to appointment subject to her fulfilling all the other requisite eligibility conditions. These directions shall be complied with positively within three weeks from the date of receipt of copy of this order. However, is the applicant is found to have met the criteria of height, the respondents shall be obliged to conduct the Physical Endurance and Measurement Test (PE &MT) for the applicant. The height shall be remeasured using both digital and manual methods.

The OA stands disposed of against the background of these directions. Pending MAs, if any, also stands disposed of accordingly. There shall be no order as to costs.