When authorities conduct a medical review for recruitment, they must address contradictory expert medical evidence. Failure to consider independent clinical opinions regarding a candidate's fitness renders the process deficient, requiring the court to direct a re-examination by a specialized board.

JUDGMENT :

SOUMITRA SAIKIA, J.

Heard Mr. H.R. Ahmed, learned counsel for the petitioner. Also heard Mr. S.S Roy, learned CGC for the respondents.

2. The petitioner, in response to the advertisement dated 05.09.2024 issued by the Staff Selection Commission, applied for the recruitment to the post of Constable (GD) in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), SSF, and Rifleman (GD) in Assam Rifles and Sepoy in Narcotics Control Bureau Examination for the year-2025. The petitioner claims to assert eligibility for the post, thus participating in the recruitment process. The petitioner was declared successful in both the Computer Based Test as well as the Physical Standard Test (PST)/ Physical Efficiency Test (PET). However, during the Medical Examinations, i.e. Detailed Medical Examination, he was found unfit on the following grounds:

(i) Fungal dermatitis both buttocks and (ii) Reddish discoloration of skin right side chest.

3. Subsequently, the petitioner applied for Review Medical Examination(RME). The Board of RME referred the petitioner to Dermatologist, Silchar Medical College & Hospital, Silchar, where the Doctor had opined that the condition of Tinea Corporis will resolve with treatment and thus it will not hamper his day to day activities and the same is non infection condition and the petitioner can be declared FIT. Thereafter, he was placed before the Review Medical Board where he was finally rejected on the ground of “Tinea corporis post inflammatory hyper-pigmentation and Nevi”. There was no discussion or reference to the opinion of the civilian hospital where there is a detailed opinion granted that the petitioner is fit for being appointed to his duties.

4. Under such circumstances, in view of the contradictory medical opinions, this Court considers it appropriate to remand the matter back to the respondent authorities to re-examine the petitioner by referring to specialist if the need so arises thereafter pass appropriate order. The examination will be conducted by the review medical board and thereafter if it is found that there are no abnormalities present then consequential orders should be issued. Any such opinion rendered in terms of the directions, copies thereof will be served on the writ petitioner.

5. The writ petition stands accordingly disposed of. The directions contained be carried out within a period of 60 days from the date of receipt of certified copy of this order. Interim order if any stands merged.