Supreme Court Strikes Down Sindh Age Relaxation for Government Jobs

In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court of Pakistan has overturned the 15-year age relaxation that was previously granted to applicants seeking government jobs in Sindh. This decision specifically affects all positions within the Sindh government, with the exception of posts in the Police Service and those filled through the Combined Competitive Examination conducted by the Sindh Public Service Commission (SPSC).

The age relaxation was introduced through an addendum issued on September 8, 2020, which allowed candidates to apply for government vacancies with an extended upper age limit. This policy was intended to provide opportunities for individuals who may have been unable to secure employment due to age restrictions. However, the court's recent judgment has deemed this relaxation as excessive and not in line with existing regulations.

Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, who authored the judgment, highlighted that the Sindh Civil Servant (Appointment, Promotion & Transfer) Rules, 1974, only permit a maximum age relaxation of 10 years. The court noted that the Sindh government had modified this rule to allow for a 15-year relaxation, which was not justified. The Chief Secretary of Sindh acknowledged the irregularity in the age relaxation policy but argued that it was a necessary measure due to a lack of major appointments over the past decade.

The court firmly stated that the government should not misuse its discretion in granting age relaxations. It emphasized that discretion should be exercised reasonably and in accordance with established laws and rules, rather than based on arbitrary decisions. The ruling serves as a reminder that all administrative authorities must act within the framework of the law to ensure fairness and justice.

This decision has far-reaching implications for job seekers in Sindh, particularly those who had hoped to benefit from the extended age limit. It underscores the importance of adhering to legal guidelines in recruitment processes and the need for transparency in government policies. As the SPSC prepares to re-advertise the Assistant Conservator of Forests (BPS-17) posts, candidates must now navigate the competitive landscape with the original age limits in mind.

While the age relaxation policy aimed to provide opportunities for many, the Supreme Court's ruling reinforces the principle that fairness and adherence to the law must prevail in public service recruitment. This decision not only impacts current job seekers but also sets a precedent for future policies regarding age relaxations in government jobs. It is crucial for the Sindh government to ensure that its recruitment processes are both equitable and transparent, fostering a fair chance for all candidates.