The eligible candidates were to take an examination and secure the minimum qualifying marks of 40 out of 100.Since the petitioners met the eligibility criteria, they decided to take the exam as well.However, while the BMC had around 329 vacancies, 475 applicants secured the minimum qualifying 40 marks. The BMC decided to hire only those who had secured 49 marks and above. "We are unable to accept the contentions advanced by the petitioners that by clearing a written examination and securing minimum marks, they have the right of being appointed," the judges said. "It would be more gainful for the public bodies to secure candidates with fresh blood and vigour and merit by initiating a fresh selection procedure based only on talent," the bench said. "If the public bodies are permitted to operate the select list for years together, it would become a tool for nepotism," the court said while dismissing the petition.

Source: Economic Times January 21, 2018 10:07 UTC