Delhi High Court Rules EWS Candidates Ineligible for Age Relaxation Benefits in Government Jobs

The Delhi High Court recently issued a significant ruling stating that candidates from the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) cannot equate their eligibility for age relaxation benefits with those belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) in the context of central government job recruitment. This decision underscores the nuanced distinctions between various social categories and their respective disadvantages.

The bench of Justices Anil Kshetarpal and Amit Mahajan delivered this judgment while addressing a petition from EWS candidates who argued that the 10% reservation for their category, introduced through the 103rd Constitutional Amendment, lacked accompanying benefits such as age relaxation. They contended that this absence places them at a notable disadvantage compared to other categories that receive these benefits.

Under the existing regulations established by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), candidates from SC and ST categories are eligible for age relaxation of up to five years, while OBC candidates receive a maximum of three years of age concession. Additionally, candidates from these categories are allowed a greater number of attempts in competitive exams, which further enhances their prospects in the recruitment process.

In its ruling, the court emphasized the inherent differences between the EWS and socially backward classes, highlighting that the nature of disadvantages they face is fundamentally different. The judges noted that the social challenges confronting SC, ST, and OBC candidates are much more pronounced than those experienced by the EWS. Consequently, the court concluded that the EWS category, which primarily addresses economic disadvantages, does not warrant the same consideration as the historically marginalized social groups.

This ruling has sparked discussions among various stakeholders regarding the adequacy of the current reservation framework for EWS candidates and whether further benefits should be considered. Critics argue that the lack of parity in age relaxation may hinder the EWS candidates’ chances in competitive examinations, thus impacting their opportunities for government employment. As the debate continues, the court’s decision will likely influence future policies regarding reservations and support for economically disadvantaged groups in India.

Source: scroll.in