Jaipur, April 4 (IANS) In a major decision impacting thousands of candidates, the Rajasthan High Court’s Division Bench has upheld the cancellation of the Sub-Inspector (SI) Recruitment-2021, affirming the earlier order passed by the Single Bench.

The Division Bench, headed by Acting Chief Justice S.P. Sharma, delivered its verdict on Saturday while hearing appeals filed by selected candidates and the State Government.

The court also set aside the suo motu cognisance taken by the Single Bench against the Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC).

In a significant observation, the Bench stated that “there should be no political appointments within the Commission.”

The court directed the State government to enact a new law governing RPSC selections, ensure complete transparency in recruitment processes, and initiate steps to remove RPSC members against whom adverse remarks were made by the Single Bench.

The controversy dates back to August 28, 2025, when the Single Bench cancelled the SI Recruitment-2021, citing paper leaks and rigging.

Following this, the Division Bench had stayed the cancellation on September 8, 2025, leading to prolonged legal proceedings. After hearing all parties, the Division Bench had reserved its judgment on January 19, 2026, and has now delivered its final ruling.

Counsel for non-selected candidates, Harinder Neel, termed the verdict “a bold and significant decision for the unemployed youth of the state.”

Petitioner Kailash Chand Sharma said, “If transparency and confidentiality are compromised in any examination, the recruitment must be cancelled. Truth has prevailed.”

The case had earlier reached the Supreme Court, which, on September 24, 2025, ordered a status quo and stayed the field postings of selected candidates.

The apex court had also directed the High Court to expedite the hearing within three months.

Meanwhile, state minister Kirori Lal on SI Recruitment-2021 Verdict said, “I welcome the Hon’ble High Court’s decision to cancel the SI Recruitment-2021 process. Substantial evidence regarding the irregularities in this examination had been submitted to the SOG and other agencies. However, the previous Gehlot government, instead of taking decisive action, chose to suppress the matter, thereby compromising the hard work of the youth.”

“Our government has taken strict action against the paper-leak mafia and ensured the arrest of those involved in fraudulent activities. We are committed to cleaning up the system. I have always stood with hardworking, unemployed youth without concern for political gain or loss and will continue to oppose those who attempt to crush their dreams. Now, it is merit that will prevail, not manipulation.”

Kirori has been pitching for the cancellation of SI Recruitment exams for years, alleging fraudulent activities and paper leak cases.

Meanwhile, MP Hanuman Beniwal said that the division bench of the Rajasthan High Court has upheld the decision of the single bench to cancel the SI Recruitment 2021, which is a welcome decision.

“Due to the rigging and paper leak in the SI Recruitment 2021, the future of lakhs of hardworking candidates was put into question,” he said.

He added that the Rashtriya Loktantrik Party carried out a long agitation in favour of the hardworking candidates to get this recruitment cancelled, a big rally was also held in the capital Jaipur and when the single bench of the Rajasthan High Court gave the decision to cancel the SI Recruitment 2021, the double-faced BJP government of Rajasthan made a strong effort to keep this recruitment intact, but today again the sentiments of the hardworking candidates have won in the court.

–IANS

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