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This order shall dispose of CWP Nos. 25535, 25880 of 2021 and CWP Nos. 3246, 3400 and 3668 of 2022.

Petitioners in all these writ petitions are aggrieved of a 'single joint spread sheet /Computer Proficiency Test' and joint English Shorthand test for the posts of Stenographer Grade-III, being conducted by respondent no.2 in respect of two separate advertisements for the subordinate Courts of Punjab and Haryana.

The abovesaid writ petitions constitute two different sets i.e., CWP no. 25535 of 2021 and CWP No. 25880 of 2021, which have been filed by the candidates prior to participation in the selection process inasmuch as after submitting their applications, said petitioners have filed 2 of 15 CWP No. 25535 of 2021 (O&M) and connected matters 3 the writ petitions for quashing of notice dated 26.11.2021, challenging the conduct of a join computer proficiency test in respect to the separate advertisements, whereas the other three writ petitions have been filed by candidates who after participation in the said computer proficiency test conducted on 18.12.2021 and 19.12.2021, respectively were unsuccessful therein.

Aggrieved from this notice, the abovesaid two writ petitions were filed inter alia on the ground that a joint Computer Proficiency Test cannot be held as it amounts to minimizing the chances of the petitioners, who have applied for the posts advertised separately vide two different advertisements.

Notice of motion was issued on 15.12.2021 to respondent no.2 with interim relief being specifically denied on 17.12.2021 while observing that the Computer Proficiency Test is admittedly a qualifying test only. Written statement was filed. In the meanwhile, notice dated 08.02.2022, attached as Annexure P-22 with CM-1826-CWP of 2022 in CWP No. 25535 of 2021 was issued by respondent no.2 informing that the English Shorthand test for the post of Stenographer Grade-III in subordinate Courts of Punjab as well as Haryana would be held on 27.02.2022 tentatively in multiple batches at the venue as detailed. A joint English Shorthand Test was notified to be held for concerned candidates.

Per contra, learned counsel for respondent no.2, while refuting the arguments raised on behalf of the petitioners, submits that in view of the large number of applications received for the said posts, it was decided to first hold a 'single' joint Computer Proficiency Test which is admittedly a qualifying test. In order to invite meritorious candidates, it was decided to prescribe that only those candidates, who secure 6 or more than 6 marks, would be considered eligible for appearing in the Shorthand Typing Test and the decision for fixing the criteria of securing minimum 60% marks for the Computer Proficiency Test was duly taken by the Central Recruitment Committee of the High Court in its meeting held on 24.11.2021. Decision to hold the joint Computer Proficiency Test and the English Shorthand Test, it is submitted was duly taken by the Central Recruitment Committee of this High Court, whose decision in all matters relating to the mode/criteria for selection etc., is final and binding. Reference is made to Clause 6 of the Advertisement. It is argued that the rules regarding age, fee and reservation, do not in any manner affect the holding of a 'single' joint Computer Proficiency Test or the English Shorthand Test, keeping in view the relevant applicable rules in both the States.

In this situation, decision of the Committee to hold the joint 10 of 15 CWP No. 25535 of 2021 (O&M) and connected matters 11 Computer Proficiency Test of 10 Marks cannot be faulted in any manner. Admittedly, the Computer Proficiency Test is mandatory as is mentioned in the advertisements, though of a qualifying nature. It is stated in advertisement that 'it is clarified that said Computer Proficiency Test is mandatory but the same is of qualifying nature only and its marks or performance will not be counted towards final merit which will be based only upon the performance in the English Shorthand Test and its Transcription'.