The Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) on Wednesday restored the status of successful candidates of the Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC), rejecting the commission’s position in a paper leak case.
The court approved all petitions filed by candidates seeking reinstatement. A division bench comprising Chief Justice Ameen-ud-Din Khan and Justice Ali Baqar Najfi heard the petition. Ultimately, the court reinstated 123 candidates to posts they had been awarded after passing PPSC examinations.
Candidates say they were removed without notice
The candidates’ counsel told the court that the candidates had been performing official duties in various departments after clearing the examinations, and had already received four months’ salaries. The counsel said the PPSC withdrew its recommendations for appointment based on a source report. He added that the recommendations and the paper leak came to light only after the candidates had cleared the exams.
The counsel further argued that no show-cause notice was served before the candidates were removed from their jobs, and that they were not given a right of audience.
PPSC officers faced action over the leak
The court asked how many PPSC officers had faced action over the paper leak. The PPSC lawyer responded that four officers of the commission had been dismissed over the issue.
