Denied Job Opportunity: Supreme Court Directs Maharashtra Government to Accommodate SC Woman in Class IV Post

The Supreme Court of India, in Rama Vishawanath Dandge vs. State of Maharashtra & Anr., ruled in favor of the appellant, a Scheduled Caste woman, who was denied appointment to a Peon post despite meeting the qualification criteria. The Court, invoking its jurisdiction under Article 142 of the Constitution, directed the Maharashtra government to accommodate her in an arising Class IV vacancy in District Buldhana.

The judgment highlights the Court’s commitment to ensuring social justice and equal opportunity, particularly for disadvantaged sections of society.

Background of the Case

The appellant, Rama Vishawanath Dandge, applied for a Peon position in Maharashtra. Despite fulfilling the eligibility criteria—requiring only a 4th standard education—she was not selected. Other candidates, who were reportedly degree holders, were appointed instead.

As a Scheduled Caste woman with three children and a deserted marital status, the appellant argued that she faced undue discrimination. After unsuccessful attempts at redressal, she approached the Supreme Court.

Petitioner’s Arguments

The appellant contended:

• She was unfairly denied employment despite meeting the qualification criteria.
• The selection process favored overqualified candidates, violating fair employment principles.
• Her socio-economic circumstances as a deserted woman with children warranted special consideration.

Respondent’s Arguments

The Maharashtra government defended its decision, stating:

• Appointments were made based on merit.
• There was no specific policy restricting overqualified candidates from applying.
• No vacancies were currently available for accommodating the appellant.

Supreme Court’s Key Observations

The Supreme Court took note of the appellant’s circumstances and stated:

“Having regard to the facts and circumstances of the case, we are of the view that this is a fit case to invoke our jurisdiction under Article 142 of the Constitution of India, in the interest of justice and for doing complete justice.”

The Court observed that while merit-based selection was valid, administrative decisions must also uphold social justice and ensure that disadvantaged individuals are not unfairly deprived of opportunities.

Final Judgment and Conclusion

The Supreme Court ruled:

• The Maharashtra government must accommodate the appellant in an arising Class IV vacancy in District Buldhana.
• No further Class IV appointments shall be made before considering the appellant.
• The judgment is specific to this case and should not be treated as a precedent.

This ruling reinforces the judiciary’s role in safeguarding the rights of marginalized communities. By ensuring fair employment opportunities for a Scheduled Caste woman facing economic hardship, the Court upheld the constitutional mandate of social justice and equality.

Petitioner Name: Rama Vishawanath Dandge.
Respondent Name: State of Maharashtra & Anr..
Judgment By: Justice Kurian Joseph, Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul.
Place Of Incident: Maharashtra, India.
Judgment Date: 12-07-2018.

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