Regular appointments cannot be terminated or disturbed without following the principles of natural justice, even in instances of alleged mass recruitment irregularities, until specific evidence against the individuals is established.

1. The instant writ application has been preferred by the petitioners praying therein for quashing and setting aside of the Notification No. 06/LO.S.A.-01-07/5404 of 2026 (Annexure-4) dated 18.08.2026, issued by the 2nd respondent; whereby the said respondent has cancelled all the recruitments pursuant to Advertisement No. 18 of 2023 for Recruitment of Food Safety Officer,

2. The grievance of the petitioners is that they were duly appointed pursuant to Advertisement No. 18 of 2023; however, all of a sudden, due to this notification dated 18.08.2026, the entire examination/recruitment process has been cancelled and resultantly their services have been disengaged.

3. It has been submitted by learned counsel for the petitioners that no any process of natural justice has been complied; rather due to some pressure, as per his instruction, this action has been taken by the concerned respondent, accordingly, Annexure-4 dated 18.08.2026, be stayed.

4. Mr. Achyut Keshav, learned Sr. AAG submits that though the counter-affidavit has not been filed, but as per his instructions, upon various allegations made by different citizens of the State, they have already started in-depth enquiry by the Investigating Agency i.e. Crime Investigation Department (CID) and few arrests have also been made.

5. However, on the issue of principles of natural justice, learned counsel submits that there was a mass bungling in the entire recruitment process and only due to that reason the Government has rightly cancelled the entire appointment pursuant to the Advertisement No. 18 of 2023.

6. Having regard to the rival submissions of learned counsel for the parties, this Court is prima facie of the view that a regular appointment cannot be disturbed/terminated without following principles of natural justice. Till now, there is no material with the respondents to show as to which candidates are involved in corruption or else; inasmuch as, the Investigating Agency is already in action.

7. Further, so far as the issue of interim protection is concerned; this Court feels that interest of justice is paramount and in the instant case the interest of justice demands stay of the Notification dated 18.08.2026 (Annexure-4); inasmuch as, in effect they have been terminated without following any due process of law.

8. Accordingly, learned counsel for the respondents are directed to file counter-affidavit giving in detail about the investigation and/or any further development.

9. List this case on 15.09.2026 at 2:30 P.M.

10. In the meantime, the operation, implementation and execution of the Notification No. 06/LO.S.A.-01-07/ 5404 of 2026 (Annexure-4) dated 18.08.2026 with regard to Advertisement No. 18 of 2023 shall remain stayed till further orders.

11. It is made clear that the learned Senior Additional Advocate General is directed to inform the concerned department to allow the petitioners as well as others, who are similarly situated and affected by this notification, to continue their work till disposal of the writ application.

12. However, looking to the overall facts and circumstances of the case, all the petitioners are directed to file an affidavit/undertaking to the effect that the final order passed by the trial court in connected criminal case shall be binding on them and the Government would be free to take appropriate action in accordance with law.