In Brief
A candidate for Police Constable appointment disclosed a prior trial for Section 498A IPC (dowry harassment) that resulted in acquittal seven years earlier due to settlement between spouses. The State rejected his candidature citing criminal antecedents, but a Single Judge allowed his writ petition. The High Court Division Bench reversed this, holding employers have unfettered discretion over applicants with criminal backgrounds. The Supreme Court allowed the appeal, holding that denial of appointment was unjustified where the charge arose from settled matrimonial dispute, the applicant was acquitted, made truthful disclosure, and was otherwise meritorious. The Court directed appointment with benefits from date of actual appointment only, applying the 'no work no pay' principle.
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