In Brief
A candidate selected for a government post in Uttar Pradesh falsely declared in his application forms that he had no pending criminal cases, when in fact two cases were pending against him. The State cancelled his appointment upon discovery of this non-disclosure. The High Court allowed his challenge, but the Supreme Court reversed this decision. The Court held that truthful and complete disclosure in government employment applications is a fundamental eligibility requirement rooted in integrity and fairness. Deliberate concealment of criminal antecedents—stated twice in the forms—constitutes serious misconduct that justifies cancellation, regardless of subsequent acquittals or later disclosures. The Court emphasized that strict adherence to disclosure standards protects the credibility of public recruitment and ensures equality of opportunity for all candidates.
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