Northeast Desk, 11th September: The Meghalaya High Court has dismissed a petition seeking uniform age relaxation for the recruitment process within the Meghalaya Police Department. The petition, filed by Barilang Pyngrope along with Joplang Shyrkon, Ialehlang Kharkongor, and Harningstar Marshiangbai, was rejected on September 10.
Pyngrope, who represented the petitioners, argued that the memorandum dated February 3, 2022, which extended the upper age limit for government service from 27 to 32 years, should apply uniformly to the 1,255 vacancies advertised on March 6, 2024. This memorandum also included a 5-year relaxation for Scheduled Tribes and Castes communities. Pyngrope contended that exceptions made for certain posts within the Home (Police) Department were discriminatory and infringed upon candidates’ employment rights.
In its order, the Court stated, “No prima facie case is made out for the grant of any interim orders at this stage, and the prayer accordingly stands rejected.” The Court emphasized that the age limits prescribed are in accordance with Sections 23 and 29 of the Meghalaya Police Act. Furthermore, the recruitment process had already commenced, with the last date for applications being May 31, 2024, rendering the petition moot.
The Court also noted that the Personnel & A.R. (A) Department is authorized to set age limits for different categories of posts within the Home (Police) Department. An Office Memorandum dated May 1, 2024, had set the upper age limit for Sub-Inspectors at 27 years and Constables at 21 years. The Court found that this memorandum aligns with the provisions of the Meghalaya Police Act, thus supporting the state’s position.
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