Rajasthan High Court - Jodhpur
Smt. Sharda Ladna vs State Of Rajasthan (2025:Rj-Jd:34192) on 4 August, 2025
Author: Nupur Bhati
Bench: Nupur Bhati
[2025:RJ-JD:34192]
HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE FOR RAJASTHAN
AT JODHPUR
S.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 9493/2025
Smt. Sharda Ladna W/o Late Shri Harlal, Aged About 48 Years,
Resident Of Village Maidant Khurd, Post Rajod Vai Ren Distt.
Nagaur, Rajasthan.
----Petitioner
Versus
1. State Of Rajasthan, Through The Director, Directorate Of
Integrated Child Development Service, Women And Child
Development, 2, Jalpath, Gandhi Nagar, Jaipur.
2. Child Development Project Officer, Merta City, Distt.
Nagaour (Raj.).
----Respondents
For Petitioner(s) : Mr. S.K. Mali.
For Respondent(s) : Ms. Yashvi Khandelwal for
Mr. Praveen Khandelwal, AAG.
HON'BLE DR. JUSTICE NUPUR BHATI
Order 04/08/2025
1. By way of instant writ petition, the petitioner has invoked writ jurisdiction of this Court under Article 226 of the Constitution of India seeking following relief(s):
"It is therefore, humbly and respectfully prayed that this writ petition of the petitioner may kindly be allowed:
i. By an appropriate writ order or direction, impugned order dated 24.04014 at Annx.P/13 be declared illegal and be quashed and set aside.
ii. By an order or direction respondents may be directed to take the petitioner on duty on the post of Supervision Women with all consequential benefits including arrears of pay and allowances with 9% interest.
iii. Exemplary cost be imposed on the respondents for causing undue harassment to the petitioner.
iv. Any other direction which this Hon'ble Court may deem just and proper may kindly be passed in favour of the petitioner."
2. The respondents by passing order impugned dated 24.04.2025 (Annex.P/13) have rejected the petitioner's appointment on the post of Supervisor on the ground that the petitioner was not working on the post of Anganwadi Worker on the date of advertisement (Annex.P/1).
3. Brief facts of the case are that the Board issued an advertisement dated 13.02.2024 (Annex.P/1) for the post of (Downloaded on 06/08/2025 at 09:43:44 PM) [2025:RJ-JD:34192] (2 of 13) [CW-9493/2025] Supervisor (Women) (Anganwadi Workers), requiring a graduate degree, 10 years of experience as an Anganwadi worker, and a computer qualification as mentioned therein. The petitioner submitted online application (Annex.P/2) along with her qualifications and experience, and received a provisional admit card (Annex.P/3) for the exam held on 22.06.2024. She was selected, with her name appearing at Sr. No.1059 in the merit list dated 20.09.2024 (Annex.4). It is inter alia indicated in the petition that the petitioner holds a BA degree and a RSCIT Certificate and has 17 years and 5 months of experience as an Anganwadi worker (from 26.07.2006 to 08.01.2024). After selection, she obtained the experience certificate dated 14.10.2024 (Annex.P/5) and the NOC from the Forest Department dated 12.11.2024 (Annex.P/6) as she has worked in the Forest Department on the post of Forest Guard from 10.01.2024 to 01.04.2025. Thereafter, the petitioner attended document verification on 27.03.2025, subsequent to which, she was issued an appointment order dated 28.03.2025 (Annex.P/7) and pursuant thereto, the petitioner joined at Merta city on 02.04.2025 on the post of Supervisor and worked until 04.04.2025. On 07.04.2025, she was handed over all the documents and was directed to to seek further directions from Directorate office, Jaipur however, no written order in this regard was passed. Thereafter, the petitioner immediately submitted a representation (Annex.P/9) reiterating her 17 years 5 months' experience, resignation from the Forest Guard post, and her SC Category and Widow status, requesting permission to continue working. She appeared before the authority again on 08.04.2025 with a similar request, but no relief was granted. On 17.04.2025 (Annex.P/11), she was called to (Downloaded on 06/08/2025 at 09:43:44 PM) [2025:RJ-JD:34192] (3 of 13) [CW-9493/2025] appear for document verification again, and on 22.04.2025 (Annex.P/12), she submitted another representation emphasizing that the advertisement required 10 years' experience with no condition of continuous service. Subsequently, respondent No.1 cancelled her appointment vide order dated 24.04.2025 (Annex.P/13) on the ground that she was not in continuous service as an Anganwadi worker as on the date of advertisement, rendering her ineligible despite having the required experience. Hence, aggrieved by the order dated 24.04.2025 (Annex.P/13), the instant petition is being preferred by the petitioner.
4. In the aforesaid backdrop, I have heard learned counsel for the parties and have gone through the material available on record.
5. Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that the petitioner possesses the requisite qualification as per Advertisement No.03/2024 dated 13.02.2025, having 17 years and 5 months of experience as an Anganwadi Worker along with NOC from Mukundara National Park, Kota where she was working on the post of Forest Guard. He submits that the petitioner's candidature was wrongly rejected on the ground that she is not an in-service candidate whereas no such condition was prescribed in the Advertisement (Annex.P/1). He further submits that the petitioner appeared in the written examination, was declared successful and pursuant thereto was given appointment vide communication dated 28.03.2025 (Annex.P/7). He contends that the respondents initially appointed the petitioner, but later changed the conditions of the advertisement (Annex.P/1), wrongly holding that she was not an in-service Anganwadi Worker on the date of advertisement whereas as per the conditions of the advertisement (Annex.P/1) a female (Downloaded on 06/08/2025 at 09:43:44 PM) [2025:RJ-JD:34192] (4 of 13) [CW-9493/2025] candidate having 10 years of working experience on the post of Anganwadi Workers was eligible. He thus, while relying upon the judgment rendered in the case of K. Manjusree v. State of Andhra Pradesh & Anr.: (2008) 3 SCC 512, submits that the respondents' action in changing the eligibility criteria after commencement of selection process is not permissible in law.
6. Per contra, learned counsel for the respondents submits that the petitioner was not eligible, as she did not meet the requirement for appointment to the post of Supervisor. She further submits that the respondents issued two advertisements: one for direct recruitment (No.05/2024, Annex.R/1) from open market and the other one (Advertisement No.03/2024 dated 13.02.2024 (Annex.P/
1) for filling posts through in-service Anganwadi Workers through written examination. She further submits that the petitioner submitted her application form in pursuance to Advertisement No.03/2024 dated 13.02.2024 (Annex.P/1), which was issued exclusively for in-service Anganwadi Workers. She while drawing attention of this court towards Rule 23 as well as Schedule-II (Subordinate Service Posts) of The Rajasthan Integrated Child Development (State and Subordinate) Service Rules, 1998 ("the RICDS Rules, 1998"), submits that the aforesaid Rule as well as Schedule specifically provide that 50% of Supervisor posts are to be filled through direct recruitment from open market and 50% from in-service Anganwadi Workers through written examination. She submits that at the time of submitting application (Annex.P/2), the petitioner was admittedly employed as a Forest Guard, thus, her appointment has rightly been cancelled. She, while placing reliance upon the judgment rendered by the Hon'ble Supreme (Downloaded on 06/08/2025 at 09:43:44 PM) [2025:RJ-JD:34192] (5 of 13) [CW-9493/2025] Court in the case of Union of India & Anr. v. Raghuwar Pal Singh : Civil Appeal No.1636/2012, decided on 13.03.2018, submits that if any appointment made is de hors the statutory rules, the same would be void ab initio and as the petitioner was not having the requisite eligibility, her appointment was de hors the RICDS Rules, 1998, and thus her appointment has rightly been cancelled.
7. First and foremost, this court is required to examine the Advertisement No.03/2024 (Annex.P/1) & Advertisement No.05/2024 (Annex.R/1), which were issued for recruitment on the post of Supervisor. The relevant portions of the same are reproduced as under:
Advertisement No.03/2024:
"विज्ञापन संख्या 03/2024
-: पर्यवेक्षक (महिला) (आं गनबाड़ी कार्यकर्ता) सीधी भर्ती-2024 :-
समेकित बाल विकास सेवाएं , महिला एवं बाल विकास विभाग, राजस्थान के लिए राजस्थान महिला एवं बाल विकास (राज्य एवं अधीनस्थ) सेवा नियम-1998 यथा संशोधित एवं राजस्थान अनुसूचित क्षेत्र अधीनस्थ मंत्रालयिक एवं चतु र्थ श्रेणी सेवा (भर्ती एवं सेवा की अन्य शर्ते) नियम, 2014 के अन्तर्गत निम्नलिखित पदों हे तु बोर्ड द्वारा निर्धारित प्रपत्र में ऑनलाइन आवेदन पत्र Online Application Form) आमंत्रित किये जाते है , इन पदों पर केवल वे महिला अभ्यर्थी आवेदन करने के पात्र हैं , जिनको आं गनबाड़ी कार्यकर्ता का न्यूनतम 10 वर्ष का अनुभव प्राप्त है ।"
Advertisement No.05/2024:
"विज्ञापन संख्या 05/2024
-:: पर्यवेक्षक (महिला) सीधी भर्ती-2024 :-
समेकित बाल विकास सेवाऐं (महिला एवं बाल विकास विभाग) राजस्थान के लिये राजस्थान महिला एवं बाल विकास (राज्ज एवं अधीनस्थ) सेवा नियम 1998, यथा संशोधित तथा राजस्थान अनुसूचित क्षेत्र अधीनस्थ, मंत्रालयिक एवं चतु र्थ श्रेणी सेवा (भब एवं सेवा की अन्य शर्ते) नियम, 2014 के अन्तर्गत पर्यवेक्षक (महिला) के कुल 209 (गैर अनुसूचित क्षेत्र के 164 एवं अनु सूचित क्षे के 45) पदों पर भर्ती हे तु समान पात्रता परीक्षा (स्नातक स्तर)-2022 में सम्मिलित केवल महिला अभ्यर्थियों से निर्धारित प्रपत्र बोर्ड द्वारा ऑनलाईन आवेदन पत्र (Online Application Form) आमंत्रित किये जाते हैं ।"(Downloaded on 06/08/2025 at 09:43:44 PM)
[2025:RJ-JD:34192] (6 of 13) [CW-9493/2025]
8. Thus, from a bare perusal of the above, it is clear that Advertisement No.03/2024 (Annex.P/1) was issued for recruitment on the post of Supervisor from amongst the females having 10 years of working experience as Anganwadi Workers, whereas Advertisement No.05/2024 (Annex.R/1) was issued for recruitment from the open market i.e., women having participated in Common Eligibility Test (Graduation Level), 2022. It is apposite to refer to the Eligibility and Educational Qualification as provided in Advertisement Nos. 03/2024 (Annex.P/1) and 05/2024 (Annex.R/1) and the relevant part of the same are reproduced as under:
Advertisement No.03/2024:
"6. पात्रता एवं शैक्षणिक योग्यताः -
(i) Graduate of a University established by law in india, with 10 Years Experience as Anganwadi worker in ICDS AND
(ii) Having one of the following or higher qualification in Computer Education:-
"O" or Higher Level certificate course conducted by DOEACC under control of the Department of Electronics, Government of India.
OR Certificate course on computer concept by NIELIT, New Delhi.
OR Computer operator& Programming Assistant (COPA)/Date Preparation and computer software (DPCS) certificate organized under National/State council or Vocational Training Scheme.
OR Degree/Diploma/Certificate in computer Science/Computer application from a university established by law in India or from an institution recognized by the Government.
OR Senior Secondary Certificate from a recognized Board of Secondary Education in the Country, with the computer Science/Computer Application as one of the subjects.
OR Diploma in computer Science & Engineering from a polytechnic institution recognized by the Government.
OR Rajasthan State Certificate Course in Information Technology (RSCIT) conducted by Vardhman Mahaveer Open University, Kota under control of Rajasthan Knowledge Corporation Limited".
Provided that in case any Anganwadi worker is not having any of the above qualification in computer education, she has to qualify the same and shall have to submit the required certificate within a period of one year from date of recruitment, failing which the (Downloaded on 06/08/2025 at 09:43:44 PM) [2025:RJ-JD:34192] (7 of 13) [CW-9493/2025] recruitment to the post of supervisor shall be deemed to be null & void.
(ii) दे वनागरी लिपी में लिखी हिन्दी में कार्य करने का ज्ञान एवं राजस्थान की संस्कृति का ज्ञान।
Anganwari Women (Quota) 2023 आवश्यक नोटः -
1. परन्तु ऐसा व्यक्ति, जो सीधी भर्ती हे तु नियमों या अनु सूचियों में यथा उल्लिखित पद के लिए अपेक्षित शैक्षणिक अर्हता वाले पना ऐप यक्ति अन्तिम वर्ष की परीक्षा में उपस्थित हो चुका / चुकी है या उपस्थित हो रहा / रही है , उस पद के लिए आवेदन करने का पात्र होगा / होगी किन्तु उसे -
1. जहां चयन लिखित परीक्षा एवं साक्षात्कार के दो प्रक्रमों के माध्यम से किया जाता हो, मुख्य परीक्षा में उपस्थित होने से पूर्व,
2. जहां चयन लिखित परीक्षा एवं साक्षात्कार के माध्यम से किया जाता हो, साक्षात्कार में उपस्थित होने से पूर्व,
3. जहां चयन केवल लिखित परीक्षा या यथास्थिति, केवल साक्षात्कार के माध्यम से किया जाता हो, लिखित परीक्षा अथवा साक्षात्कार में उपस्थित होने से पूर्व, समुचित चयन ऐजेन्सी को अपेक्षित शैक्षणिक अर्हता परीक्षा की तिथी से पूर्व तक अर्जित कर लेने का सबूत प्रस्तुत करना होगा। बोर्ड द्वारा उक्त पदों पर चयन लिखित परीक्षा के माध्यम से किया जायेगा। अभ्यर्थी उपभोग कर सकेगें , जो आवेदक आवेदन-पत्र प्राप्ति की अन्तिम दिनां क तक पद की वां छित योग्यता की परीक्षा के अन्तिम वर्ष में प्रवेश ले चुके होंगे एवं पद की वां छित योग्यता की अं तिम वर्ष की परीक्षा में सम्मिलित हुए या सम्मिलित होने वाले हैं ।
2. आं गनबाड़ी कार्यकर्ता का 10 वर्ष का अनुभव प्रमाण पत्र आवेदन की अंतिम तिथि तक का मान्य / स्वीकार किया जावेगा।
अन्य योग्यताएँ :-
(1) स्वास्थ्यः -पर्यवेक्षक (महिला) (आं गनबाड़ी कार्यकर्ता) के पद पर भर्ती के लिए उम्मीदवार अच्छे मानसिक और शारीरिक स्वास्थ्य का होना चाहिए और वह ऐसे किसी मानसिक या शारीरिक दोष से मुक्त होना चाहिए जो कि पर्यवेक्षक (महिला) (आं गनबाड़ी कार्यकर्ता) के रूप में उसके कर्तव्यों के कुशल पालन में बाधा डाल सके और यदि वह चयनित कर लिया जाता है तो उसे इसके लिये अपना आरोग्यता प्रमाण पत्र उस जिले के मुख्य चिकित्सा एवं स्वास्थ्य अधिकारी या मेडीकल ज्यूरिस्ट द्वारा हस्ताक्षरित प्रस्तुत करना होगा जिस जिले में सामान्यतः वह निवास करता है ।
(2) चरित्र :- सेवा में सीधी भर्ती के लिए आवेदक का चरित्र ऐसा होना चाहिये जिससे कि वह पर्यवेक्षक (महिला) (आं गनबाड़ी कार्यकर्ता) के पद पर नियुक्त्ति के लिये योग्य हो सके। उसे सचरित्र का प्रमाण पत्र ऐसे विश्वविद्यालय, स्कूल या कॉलेज जहां उसने अंतिम शिक्षा प्राप्त की हो, के प्रधानाचार्य / शिक्षा अधिकारी केद्वारा प्रदत, प्रस्तुत करना होगा और दो ऐसे उत्तरदायी व्यक्तियों के प्रमाण पत्र भी प्रस्तुत करने होगें जो आवेदन-पत्र की दिनां क से 6 महीने पहले के न हो औरअभ्यर्थी के रिश्तेदार द्वारा दिये हुये नही हो।"
Advertisement No.05/2024:
"6. पात्रता एवं शैक्षणिक योग्यता-
(i) Graduate of a University established by law in india.
AND
(ii) Having one of the following or higher qualification in Computer Education:-
"0" or Higher Level certificate course conducted by DOEACC under control of the Department of Electronics, Government of India.
OR Certificate course on computer concept by NIELIT, New Delhi.
OR Computer operator & Programming Assistant (COPA)/Date Preparation and computer software (DPCS) certificate organized under National/State council or Vocational Training Scheme.
OR (Downloaded on 06/08/2025 at 09:43:44 PM) [2025:RJ-JD:34192] (8 of 13) [CW-9493/2025] Degree/Diploma/Certificate in computer Science/Computer application from a university established by law in India or from an institution recognized by the Government.
OR Senior Secondary Certificate from a recognized Board of Secondary Education in the Country, with the computer Science/Computer Application as one of the subjects.
OR Diploma in computer Science & Engineering from a polytechnic insititution recognized by the Government.
OR "Rajasthan State Certificate Course in Information Technology (RSCIT) conducted by Vardhman Mahaveer Open University, Kota under control of Rajasthan Knowledge Corporation Limited".
(iii) दे वनागरी लिपि में लिखी हिन्दी में कार्य करने का ज्ञान एवं राजस्थान की संस्कृति का ज्ञान।
आवश्यक नोटः -परन्तु ऐसा व्यक्ति, जो सीधी भर्ती हे तु नियमों या अनुसूचियों में यथा उल्लिखित पद के लिए अपेक्षित शैक्षणिक अर्हता वाले ऐसे पाठ्यक्रम के अन्तिम वर्ष की परीक्षा में उपस्थित हो चुका / चुकी है या उपस्थित हो रहा/ रही है . उस पद के लिए आवेदन करने का पात्र होगा / होगी किन्तु उसे
1. जहां चयन लिखित परीक्षा एवं साक्षात्कार के दो प्रक्रमों के माध्यम से किया जाता हो, मुख्य परीक्षा में उपस्थित होने से पूर्व,
2. जहां बयन लिखित परीक्षा एवं साक्षात्कार के माध्यम से किया जाता हो, साक्षात्कार में उपस्थित होने से पूर्व,
3. जहां चयन केवल लिखित परीक्षा या यथास्थिति, केवल साक्षात्कार के माध्यम से किया जाता हो, लिखित परीक्षा अथवा साक्षात्कार में उपस्थित होने से पूर्व, समुचित चयन ऐजेन्सी को अपेक्षित शैक्षणिक अर्हता लिखित परीक्षा की तिथी से पूर्व तक अर्जित कर लेने का सबूत प्रस्तुत करना होगा। बोर्ड द्वारा उक्त पदों पर चयन लिखित परीक्षा के माध्यम से किया जायेगा। स्पष्टीकरणः - यह स्पष्ट किया जाता है कि उक्त सुविधा का ये ही अभ्यर्थी उपभोग कर सकेंगे, जो आवेदक आवेदन-पत्र प्राप्ति की अन्तिम दिनां क तक पद की वां छित योग्यता की परीक्षा के अन्तिम वर्ष में प्रवेश ले चुके होंगे एवं पद की वां छित योग्यता की अंतिम वर्ष की परीक्षा में सम्मिलित हुए या सम्मिलित होने वाले हैं ।
अन्य योग्यताएँ :-
(1) स्वास्थ्य - उक्त पद पर गर्ती के लिए उम्मीदवार अच्छे मानसिक और शारीरिक स्वास्थ्य का होना चाहिए और वह ऐरो किसी मानसिक या शारीरिक दोष से मुक्त होना चाहिए जो कि उक्त पद के रूप में उसके कर्तव्यों के कुशल पालन में बाधा डाल सके और यदि यह चयनित कर लिया जाता है तो उसे इसके लिये अपना आरोग्यता प्रमाण पत्र उस जिले को मुख्य गिकिला एवं स्वास्थ्य अधिकारी या मेडीकल ज्यूरिस्ट द्वारा हस्ताक्षरित प्रस्तुत करना होगा जिस जिले में सामान्यतः यह निवास करता है ।
(2) चरित्र:- सेवा में सीधी भर्ती के लिए आवेदक का चरित्र ऐसा होना चाहिये जिससे कि वह उक्त पद पर नियुक्ति के लिये योग्य हो सके। उसे सचरित्र का प्रमाण पत्र ऐसे विश्वविद्यालय, स्कूल या कॉलेज जहां उसने अं तिम शिक्षा प्राप्त की हो, के प्रधानाचार्य / शिक्षा अधिकारी केद्वारा प्रदत्त, प्रस्तुत करना होगा और दो ऐसे उत्तरदायी व्यक्तियों के प्रमाण पत्र भी -प्रस्तुत करने होगे जो आवेदन-पत्र की दिनां क से 6 महीने पहले के न हो और अभ्यर्थी के रिश्तेदार द्वारा दिये हुये नहीं हो।"
9. The comparative analysis of the above-cited Eligibility and Educational Qualification criteria as provided in both the advertisement (Annex.P/1 and Annex.R/1), reflects that 10 years experience as Anganwadi Workers was required only under (Downloaded on 06/08/2025 at 09:43:44 PM) [2025:RJ-JD:34192] (9 of 13) [CW-9493/2025] Advertisement (Annex.P/1). Further, in point no. 6 of the Advertisement (Anenx.P/1), the usage of word "Anganwadi Worker"
clearly indicate that the said advertisement was exclusively meant for in-service Anganwadi Workers having 10 years of working experience. Therefore, the contention of the learned counsel for the petitioner that the respondents have changed the eligibility criteria after commencement of selection process is without any force.
10. At this juncture, it is apposite to refer to the relevant statutory framework as provided under Rule 23 as well as Schedule-II of the RICDS Rules, 1998. The same are reproduced as under:
"23. Scrutiny of Applications:- The Commission or the Appointing Authority, as the case may be, shall scrutinise the applications received by them/it and require as many candidates eligible for appointment under these Rules as seem to them/it desirable to appear before them/it for interview:
"Provided that 100% posts of Supervisor shall be filled in by direct recruitment out of which 50% from open market and 50% amongst Anganwadi Workers through written examination, conducted by the Appointing Authority or Board, as the case may be, in accordance with the scheme and syllabus specified in Schedule-III. Provided further that the decision of the Appointing Authority or Board, as the case may be, as to the eligibility or otherwise of candidate shall be final."
Provided further that the post of Pre-Primary Education Teacher shall be filled in only by the written examination in accordance with the scheme and syllabus specified in Schedule IV."
Schedule-II of RICDS Rules, 1998:
3. Supervisor 100% by direct A. Graduate of a University established by recruitment out law in India, and of which,- B. Having one of the following or higher
(i) 50% direct qualification in Computer Education:-
recruitment from open "O" or Higher Level Certificate Course market conducted by DOEACC under control of the
(ii) 50% direct Department of Electronics, Government of recruitment India. or Certificate course on Computer from concept by NIELIT, New Delhi Anganwadi or Workers Computer Operator & Programming Assistant (COPA)/ Data Preparation and Computer (Downloaded on 06/08/2025 at 09:43:44 PM) [2025:RJ-JD:34192] (10 of 13) [CW-9493/2025] Software (DPCS) certificate organized under National/State Council or Vocational Training Scheme.
or Degree/Diploma/Certificate in Computer Science /Computer Application from a University established by law in India or from an institution recognized by the Government. or Senior Secondary Certificate from a recognized Board of Secondary Education in the Country, with Computer Science/Computer Application as one of the subjects.
or Diploma in Computer Science & Engineering from a polytechnic institution recognized by the Government.
or Rajasthan State Certificate Course in Information Technology (RSCIT) conducted by Vardhaman Mahaveer Open University, Kota under control of Rajasthan Knowledge corporation Limited.
Graduate of a University established by law in India, with 10 years' experience as Anganwadi Worker in ICDS and having one of the above or higher qualification in computer education.
Provided that in case any Anganwadi Worker is not having any of the above qualification in computer education, she has to qualify the same and shall have to submit the required certificate within a period of one year from date of recruitment, failing which the recruitment to the post of supervisor shall be deemed to be null & void.
10. Thus, Rule 23 as well as Schedule-II of the RICDS Rules, 1998 provide that all the posts for Supervisor are to be filled through direct recruitment, out of which 50% of the posts are to be filled from amongst the Anganwadi Workers through examination and rest 50% from the open market.
11. Having seen the aforesaid advertisements (Annex.P/1 & Annex.R/1) and the Eligibility and Educational Qualification Criteria contained therein, it transpires that the respondents issued two advertisements on the same date: one is advertisement No.03/2024 titled "Supervisor (Women) (Anganwadi Worker) Direct Recruitment, 2024," and the other advertisement bearing (Downloaded on 06/08/2025 at 09:43:44 PM) [2025:RJ-JD:34192] (11 of 13) [CW-9493/2025] No.05/2024 titled "Supervisor (Women) Direct Recruitment, 2024." Advertisement No.03/2024 (Annex.P/1) clearly provided that only in-service Anganwadi workers having a minimum of 10 years of experience are eligible to participate in the recruitment process, whereas Advertisement No.05/2024 was open for all the female candidates who have participated in Common Eligibility Test (Graduation Level), 2022. The contention of the learned counsel for the petitioner that a female having 10 years of work experience as Anganwadi Worker was eligible to participate in the recruitment process initiated vide Advertisement (Annex.P/1) and there was no requirement of being an in-service Anganwadi Worker having 10 years of work experience as Anganwadi Worker, is not tenable as Firstly, such interpretation is de hors Rule 23 as well as Schedule-II of the RICDS Rules, 1998 which specifically provides that 50% posts of Supervisor are to be filled from amongst Anganwadi Workers; secondly, the title of the advertisement (Annex.P/1) -
"Supervisor (Women) (Anganwadi Worker) Direct Recruitment, 2024" as well as the Eligibility and Educational Qualification Criteria make it evident that the recruitment initiated vide Advertisement (Annex.P/1) was to be made from amongst the in-service Anganwadi Workers.
12. Apparently, the petitioner submitted application (Annex.P/2) in pursuance to the Advertisement (Annex.P/1) and the same has not been disputed by the learned counsel for the petitioner. Further, admittedly, the petitioner was working on the post of Forest Guard on the date of submitting application form (Annex.P/2) in pursuance to the advertisement (Annex.P/1), which was meant for direct recruitment from amongst the in-service Anganwadi Workers (Downloaded on 06/08/2025 at 09:43:44 PM) [2025:RJ-JD:34192] (12 of 13) [CW-9493/2025] having a minimum 10 years of experience. Thus, the appointment of the petitioner vide communication dated 28.03.2025 (Annex.P/7) on the post of Supervisor was clearly in the teeth of statutory provisions laid down under Rule 23 as well as Schedule-II of the RICDS Rules, 1998 so also against the Eligibility and Educational Qualification criteria provided under advertisement (Annex.P/1). At this juncture it would be apposite to refer to the judgment rendered by the Hon'ble Supreme Court in State of Odisha & Ors. v. Sulekh Chandra Pradhan : Civil Appeal Nos.3036-3064 of 2022, decided on 20.04.2022, wherein it has been reiterated by the Hon'ble Apex Court that appointments made in contravention of the statutory provisions are void ab initio. The relevant part of the aforesaid judgment is reproduced as under:
"32. It is not in dispute that the appointment of all the applicants/respondents/teachers have been made directly by the respective Management without following the procedure as prescribed under the Rules/Statute. It is a trite law that the appointments made in contravention of the statutory provisions are void ab initio. Reference in this respect could be made to the judgments of this Court in the cases of Ayurvidya Prasarak Mandal and another vs. Geeta Bhaskar Pendse (Mrs) and others, J&K Public Service Commission and others vs. Dr. Narinder Mohan and others, Official Liquidator vs. Dayanand and others, and Union of India and another vs. Raghuwar Pal Singh."
13. The petitioner was well aware of the requisite Eligibility and Educational qualification as provided under the advertisement No.03/2024 (Annex.P/1) that she should be an in-service candidate having experience of ten years, however, she applied under the said advertisement (Annex.P/1) instead of advertisement No.05/2024 (Annex.R/1). It is also not a case of the petitioner that the Eligibility and Educational Qualification as provided under advertisement No.03/2024 (Annex.P/1) were not clearly mentioned (Downloaded on 06/08/2025 at 09:43:44 PM) [2025:RJ-JD:34192] (13 of 13) [CW-9493/2025] in the advertisement (Annex.P/1) rather the conditions bear no ambiguity and the petitioner with open eyes applied for the said post. Thus, in sequitur, the appointment of the petitioner, being in contravention of the statutory provisions as well as Eligibility Criteria provided under the advertisement (Annex.P/1), as discussed hereinabove, was void ab initio. Therefore, the respondents were justified in cancelling the appointment of the petitioner.
14. In view of the above, the instant petition is bereft of merits. The same is, therefore, dismissed.
15. Pending application(s), if any, stand disposed of.
(DR.NUPUR BHATI),J 28-Sumit/-
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