Supreme Court rules reserved candidate on open merit can claim better reserved post
The case concerns whether a candidate selected in the open merit category is entitled to claim a better post in the reserved category over a reserved candidate with lower marks, and the position of unreserved candidates if such a candidate is sent back to a reserved post.
Petitioner: Chandan; Respondents: The State of Jharkhand & Ors.; Bench: Hon'ble Mr. Justice M.M. Sundresh and Hon'ble Mr. Justice Prasanna B. Varale.
- The Court held that a person eligible under the reserved category but fitted into the open category is entitled to a better post under the reserved category against a person with lesser marks in the reserved category.
- The Court found no material to substantiate the respondent's claim that the petitioner availed a relaxation.
- The Court granted six weeks' time to the State and the Jharkhand Public Service Commission to file an affidavit regarding the relaxation claim.
- The matter is listed for hearing on 25.08.2026.
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Document details
| Official title | Reserved Candidate Selected On Open Merit Can Claim Better Reserved-Category Post Than Reserved Candidate Having Lower Marks: Supreme Court |
| Source body | Supreme Court of India — orders & judgments |
| Reference number | – Chandan v. State of Jharkhand & Ors.Citation : 2026 LiveLaw (SC) 840Click Here To Read/Download Order ", |
| Status | closed (order) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Closing date | — |
| Documents | 1 |