Jaipur, March 9, 2026 (Udaipur Kiran): The Rajasthan High Court has expressed surprise over the appointment of candidates who scored zero marks in the Fourth Class (Peon) Recruitment 2024 in the state.
The court questioned the state government, asking how a person scoring zero or even negative marks could be considered suitable for any post. It observed that the government must follow minimum standards so that a selected candidate can at least perform basic duties satisfactorily.
The remarks were made by the bench of Justice Anand Sharma while hearing a petition filed by Vinod Kumar. The court stated that even if the post is for a fourth-class employee, a basic standard must be maintained in government service.
During the hearing, advocate Harendra Neel informed the court that the petitioner had applied under the Ex-serviceman (OBC) category in the recruitment. The petitioner received negative marks in the written examination, while the cut-off in his category was 0.0033 (zero).
The counsel argued that since the recruitment board was not finding suitable candidates and hundreds of posts remain vacant, candidates with negative marks should also be considered for appointment because the recruitment notification and service rules did not specify minimum qualifying marks.
He further told the court that if candidates scoring zero marks are considered eligible, then those with negative marks should also be treated similarly, as there is no difference in eligibility between zero and negative marks under the current rules.
The court observed that there could be two possible reasons for such a situation: either the question paper was too difficult for the level of a fourth-class employee, or the recruitment standards were intentionally kept so low that merit lost its meaning. The court termed both situations unacceptable.
During the proceedings, the government was also unable to provide any clear justification for not fixing minimum qualifying marks.
The court had earlier directed the Principal Secretary of the concerned department to submit an affidavit explaining the reason for the situation and suggesting corrective measures. However, the General Administration Department stated during the hearing that its role was limited to allotting departments to selected candidates, while framing rules and fixing minimum eligibility criteria falls under the Personnel Department and the Staff Selection Board.
Expressing displeasure over departments shifting responsibility, the court said it had sought an affidavit from the concerned department but officials were passing the responsibility to one another.
The court has now given a final opportunity to the concerned departments to submit an affidavit by the next hearing. Otherwise, the court warned that strict action may be taken. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for April 7.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
