In a recent matter, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has reminded the state government officers that an appointment to a civil post is not a position of privilege, but rather a means to serve the public.

In the said matter, Justice Kshetarpal while hearing a petition filed against the state of Punjab and others through counsel for the petitioner,  advocate HC Arora. The Bench, during the course of the hearing, observed the petitioner was directly recruited as a mathematics master in 2021.

After the recruitment process is done, he applied for the post of Assistant Professor (Colleges) pursuant to a government recruitment notice issued on October 19, 2021, after getting permission from the competent authority.

The petitioner submitted his resignation letter from the master’s position after he was issued an appointment letter on December 3, 2021. But the issuance of the letter to the Assistant Professor’s post was stayed following an interim order passed by a court.

The Bench observed that the petitioner applied for the post pursuant to the recruitment notice issued by the Punjab Government. Moreover, it was evident that the petitioner’s request for the withdrawal of his resignation was kept pending for nearly one-and-a-half years. Considering the facts, the Bench asked the Director of Public Instruction to appear before the court and clarify his conduct.

Before disposing of the case, Justice Kshetarpal asserted that the court felt compelled to make certain observations.

“It is well known that only a fortunate few have the opportunity to serve the state as an employee. Among those few, some have the privilege to serve the public….The government officers and civil servants, who hold the decision-making powers, are expected to address the grievances of the people, who face unfortunate and unjust circumstances. Without this intent, cases like the present one will continue to come before the courts.”