108 IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH ****

Date of Decision: 28.11.2025 Karan Singh Pathania ...Petitioner Versus Union Territory Chandigarh Administration and Others ...Respondents CORAM:- HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE JAGMOHAN BANSAL Present:- Mr. Ashutosh Bhardwaj, Advocate and Mr. Budhadev Maity, Advocate for the petitioner.

Mr. Deepak Malhotra, Addl. Standing Counsel and Mr. Ashok Kanwal, Junior Panel Counsel for respondents No.1 and 2.

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JAGMOHAN BANSAL, J. (ORAL)

1. The petitioner through instant petition under Articles 226/227 of the Constitution of India is seeking setting aside of merit list published on 24.10.2025 with respect to post of Lower Division Clerk on the ground that respondent at last moment issued instructions for Typing Skill Test.

2. The petitioner pursuant to Advertisement dated 11.05.2025 applied for the post of Lower Division Clerk. He applied under General Category. He appeared in the Written Examination conducted on 21.09.2025. He qualified Written Test and became eligible for Typing Skill Test. There were 15 candidates for Typing Skill Test which was conducted by University Institute of Applied Management Sciences (Examination Unit). The respondent issued guidelines/instructions for valuation of Typing Skill Test. The respondent issued public notice dated 30.09.2025 directing candidates to produce original certificates/testimonials on 06.10.2025. The Typing Skill Test was also held on 06.10.2025. The respondent on the day of Typing Skill Test informed the candidates that shortcut keys whether used intentionally or accidentally may lead to auto deletion of typed content. This condition of auto deletion was not mentioned in the written guidelines. Declaration of said condition just before the exam created undue pressure and panic among the candidates. The said condition was harsh and unjustified.

3. Learned counsel representing the petitioner submits that use of shortcut keys was prohibited and this fact was brought in the knowledge of candidates at the commencement of Typing Skill Test. It prejudiced petitioner. It was contrary to written guidelines.

4. I have heard learned counsel for the parties and perused the record with their able assistance.

5. From the perusal of record, it is evident that respondent on the basis of Written Test shortlisted 15 candidates for Typing Skill Test. All the candidates appeared for Typing Skill Test on the same day and at the same time. They all were informed that use of shortcut keys may lead to auto deletion of typed content. The petitioner is claiming that prohibition on use of shortcut keys prejudiced him. Claim of petitioner cannot be countenanced because Typing Skill Test was conducted at the same moment and all the candidates were informed of the guidelines. The guideline of prohibition of shortcut keys was part of Typing Skill Test. The petitioner could be prejudiced had few candidates been informed in advance or test not been conducted at the same point of time. Claim of petitioner, at this stage, cannot be countenanced.

6. In the wake of above discussion and findings, the instant petition deserves to be dismissed and accordingly dismissed.

(JAGMOHAN BANSAL)

JUDGE

28.11.2025 Prince Chawla Whether Speaking/reasoned Yes/No Whether Reportable Yes/No