In Brief
The Supreme Court upheld the Delhi Police's rejection of four candidates for the position of Constable, despite their acquittal or compromise in criminal cases. The Court held that acquittal does not automatically entitle a candidate to appointment; the Screening Committee has exclusive authority to assess suitability, especially for police roles where public confidence is critical. The High Court had erred by second-guessing the Committee's decisions based on comparative merit and candidates' age. The Court emphasized that while judicial review can ensure fair and non-discriminatory application of eligibility norms, questions of individual suitability rest with the public employer, absent malice or illegality.
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