Background and Issue The Punjab and Haryana High Court recently addressed the cancellation of a candidate's result in the Haryana Teacher Eligibility Test (HTET) for Post Graduate Teacher (PGT) due to a failure in biometric verification. The candidate, Harjeet Singh, could not provide biometric fingerprints because of a fungal infection on his fingers. Despite being permitted to take the exam after manual identification, his result was later annulled by the Haryana Education Board, leading to significant career repercussions.
Court's Observation on Biometric Failure The Court observed that the cancellation of the result on the grounds of biometric failure was unjust, given that the Board officials had previously acknowledged the candidate's medical condition. The Court described the Board's reasoning as "absolutely unsustainable and obnoxious," emphasizing that the Board's decision disregarded the candidate's legitimate explanation for the inability to provide biometric data.
Insensitivity of the Board Justice Jasgurpreet Singh Puri criticized the Haryana Education Board for its insensitive approach, noting that the cancellation effectively wasted five years of the candidate’s career. The Court highlighted that the decision to allow the candidate to take the exam was made by a committee of 4-5 officials at the exam center, indicating a conscious decision rather than a mistake by the center in charge. This decision was based on the candidate’s presentation of identity proofs and medical documentation, negating any concerns of impersonation.
Legal Precedents and Court's Conclusion In its judgment, the Court referenced legal precedents related to biometric systems and impersonation, stressing that the objective of biometric verification is to prevent impersonation. However, given the unique circumstances of the candidate's medical condition, the Court determined that the candidate’s case did not fall under impersonation concerns. The Court concluded that the Board's cancellation of the result was arbitrary and unjust.
Court's Directive The High Court ordered the Haryana Education Board to declare the candidate's result within one month, further imposing a cost of Rs. 1 lakh on the Board for its actions. The Court’s ruling underscores the importance of sensitivity and fairness in administrative decisions, particularly in cases involving candidates with medical conditions.
Impact on the Candidate's Career The cancellation of the result had a severe impact on the candidate's career, as the HTET exam is a prerequisite for applying for teaching positions. The Court recognized the detrimental effect this decision had on the candidate's professional life, making it imperative for the result to be declared to rectify the situation.
Conclusion
This case highlights the critical role of fairness and due process in educational and administrative decisions. The Punjab and Haryana High Court's judgment serves as a reminder that institutions must exercise discretion and compassion, especially when dealing with candidates facing medical challenges. The ruling not only restores the candidate's career prospects but also reinforces the legal protections against arbitrary administrative actions.
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