Key Highlights:
- The Uttarakhand High Court has granted major relief to ex-servicemen regarding reservation in government jobs.
- The court has struck down a government order that allowed reservation benefits only once to ex-servicemen.
- The bench of Justice Manoj Tiwari and Justice Subhash Upadhyay delivered the verdict.
Background:
The Uttarakhand government had issued an order on May 22, 2020, stating that if an ex-serviceman had already availed reservation benefits once in a state government job, he would not be eligible for the same benefit again.
Petition Details:
- Petitioner: Dinesh Kandpal (Ex-serviceman)
- He challenged the government order in the High Court, calling it unconstitutional.
- He stated that under the 1993 Act, ex-servicemen, freedom fighters, their dependents, and differently-abled individuals are entitled to regional reservation benefits.
- The Act does not mention that the reservation is limited to a one-time benefit.
High Court Verdict:
- The High Court quashed the government’s May 22, 2020, order.
- The court clarified that ex-servicemen are entitled to reservation benefits every time they apply for a government job.
- The court ruled that ex-servicemen cannot be denied reservation in future recruitments under any condition.
Conclusion:
This ruling by the Uttarakhand High Court is a significant relief for ex-servicemen. It not only protects their rights but also ensures that they will receive reservation benefits each time they apply for government jobs. The judgment is a step toward recognizing the contribution and dignity of ex-servicemen
