Has the Delhi Government Lifted the Ban on EWS Certificates?
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Synopsis
The Delhi government has officially lifted the ban on EWS certificates, allowing applicants to access reserved posts. This decision comes after a petition highlighted the challenges faced by candidates, ensuring their eligibility in upcoming recruitments. Stay tuned as we delve deeper into the implications of this development.
Key Takeaways
- Delhi government lifts ban on EWS certificates.
- Petitioner allowed to apply for APP position without EWS certificate temporarily.
- The court emphasizes the need for valid legal basis for directives.
- Constitutional rights under Articles 14, 16, 19(1)(g), and 21 are highlighted.
- The directive's halt was claimed to address misuse concerns.
New Delhi, April 28 (NationPress) The local administration announced on Monday to the Delhi High Court that it has removed the prohibition on issuing Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) certificates within the national capital.
This declaration was made before a bench led by Justice Sachin Datta, responding to a petition that challenged the Delhi government's order halting the issuance of all EWS certificates indefinitely.
The petitioner expressed that this controversial decision hindered his ability to apply for the advertised position of Assistant Public Prosecutor (APP) by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
According to the job advertisement, the UPSC has allocated six out of 66 openings for the APP role specifically for EWS candidates.
In a relief to the petitioner, the Delhi High Court permitted him to partake in the recruitment process temporarily without an EWS certificate, considering that the deadline for application submission is May 1.
Justice Datta clarified that the petitioner must present his EWS certificate at the appropriate time, as stated by advocate Ashu Bidhuri.
The petition argued that following a meeting on April 9, the Delhi government issued a directive to suspend the issuance of all EWS certificates indefinitely, claiming it was due to concerns over misuse or irregularities, yet without any legal foundation or transparent procedure.
Consequently, the petitioner and other legitimate applicants for the Assistant Public Prosecutor position are being denied access to a constitutional benefit protected under Articles 15(6) and 16(6) of the Constitution, the petition highlighted.
The petition further stated, "The challenged directive, which lacks any formal legal authority, effectively imposes a blanket ban on a welfare initiative established by Parliament, thus breaching the constitutional principle of separation of powers. It represents executive overreach, undermines the intent of the Constitution (One Hundred and Third Amendment) Act, 2019, and violates the petitioner's rights under Articles 14, 16, 19(1)(g), and 21 of the Constitution."
The petitioner requested the court to annul the executive directive that halts the issuance of EWS certificates and to instruct the relevant authorities to issue a valid EWS certificate promptly, allowing him to apply for the reserved position.
Point of View
It is critical to recognize that while the Delhi government's decision to lift the ban on EWS certificates is a positive development for many aspiring applicants, it also highlights the need for transparency and procedural integrity in governance. Ensuring that welfare measures are accessible without undue bureaucratic hurdles is essential for maintaining public trust and upholding constitutional rights.
NationPress
21/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of EWS certificates?
EWS certificates provide eligibility for certain reserved jobs and educational opportunities for candidates from economically weaker sections, ensuring equitable access to public resources.
Why was the issuance of EWS certificates halted?
The Delhi government claimed the halt was due to concerns about potential misuse and irregularities, though no formal legal basis was provided.
What are the constitutional articles related to EWS?
EWS certificates are linked to Articles 15(6) and 16(6) of the Constitution, which provide for reservation in educational institutions and public employment for economically weaker sections.
What impact does this decision have on applicants?
The lifting of the ban allows applicants to participate in recruitment processes for reserved positions, thus enabling them to benefit from constitutional protections.
What are the next steps for the petitioner?
The petitioner is required to submit his EWS certificate at the appropriate stage of the recruitment process as clarified by the court.
