Height measurements for recruitment must adhere to rounding rules, preventing disqualification based on minor discrepancies and ensuring fair evaluation of candidates.

JUDGMENT :

DEVASHIS BARUAH, J.

Heard Mr. R. Borah, the learned counsel appearing on behalf of the petitioner and Ms. S. Baruah, the learned CGC, who appears on behalf of the respondents.

2. The petitioner herein is aggrieved by the rejection of the petitioner’s candidature on the ground that the petitioner’s height is below the prescribed limit.

3. The facts of the instant case as is apparent from the materials on record is that in pursuance to a Notice dated 05.09.2024 for recruitment to the post of Constable GD in Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and SSF, Rifleman GD in Assam Rifles and Sepoy in Narcotics Control Bureau Examination-2025, the petitioner participated in the said recruitment process for the post of Constable GD.

4. It is very pertinent to take note of that Clause 12.5 of the Notice dated 05.09.2024 stipulates the Physical Standard Test (PST). The said Clause 12.5.1 deals with height, which being relevant, is reproduced herein under:-

12.5.1 Height:

12.5.1.1 Male: 170 cms

12.5.1.2 Female: 157 cms

12.5.1.3 Few categories of candidates are allowed relaxation in the heights mentioned above. Relaxed standard of height for such candidates are as follows:

5. From a perusal of the above quoted Clause, it would be seen that for female, the height is 157 cm in terms with Clause 12.5.1.2. However, there are certain relaxations for certain categories of candidates, e.g., if the candidate belongs to the State of Assam, the height for a female candidate is 155 cm. The petitioner's height was measured and it was found that the height of the petitioner was 154.6 cm, and as such, the petitioner was disqualified in the Physical Standard Test. It is under such circumstances, the petitioner has approached this Court.

6. The learned counsel appearing on behalf of the petitioner submitted that taking into account that the petitioner's height is 154.6 cm, in terms with the Uniform Guidelines for medical examination meant for recruitment in CAPF, NSG and AR, more particularly Clause 2(d), the height of the petitioner should have been rounded off to 155 cm in as much as the petitioner's height was 154.6 cm. In that regard, the learned counsel appearing on behalf of the petitioner also referred to a judgment of the learned Coordinate Bench of this Court in the case of Arup Ray vs. the Union of India & Others, WP(C) No.6436/2025 dated 02.12.2025 wherein also the learned Coordinate Bench of this Court held that in terms with Clause 2(d) of the Guidelines dated 20.05.2015, if the height fraction is of 0.5 cm and more