Home guard recruitment irregularities: Orissa High Court issues notice to SP

The Orissa High Court on Thursday issued notices to the Superintendent of Police (SP) of Subarnapur district and other concerned authorities in connection with the alleged irregularities in the recruitment of Home Guards.

The notices were issued while hearing a petition challenging the legality and transparency of the recruitment process carried out in the district.

Several Irregularities Alleged

According to the case details, the petitioners have alleged that several irregularities took place during the selection process of Home Guards, raising serious questions over fairness and adherence to prescribed norms. The recruitment drive had been conducted following an official notification that announced the selection of 92 Home Guards across the Subarnapur district.

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However, objections were raised regarding the appointment of candidates from areas outside specific police station jurisdictions.

The petitioners contended that candidates belonging to other police station areas were allegedly appointed under the Subarnapur police station, which they claimed was a clear violation of recruitment guidelines. The issue sparked discontent among local aspirants, many of whom alleged that deserving candidates from within the concerned jurisdiction were ignored.

High Court Demands Answer

Taking note of the allegations, the High Court observed that the validity of the recruitment process would depend on the final outcome of the case. The court has sought responses from the SP and other officials named in the petition, asking them to clarify their stand on the allegations raised.

The High Court has fixed February 23 as the next date of hearing in the matter. Until then, uncertainty looms over the future of the recruitment process and the appointments made under it.

Further developments in the case are awaited as the matter comes up for hearing later this month.