Shillong, Sept 23: The Meghalaya High Court has directed that status quo be maintained in the recruitment process for the post of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Officer following a petition accusing the Meghalaya Public Service Commission (MPSC) of “nepotism”.
The bench headed by Acting Chief Justice HS Thangkhiew in its order passed on Monday has directed that the petition be listed on September 25 for consideration of the interim prayer made by the petitioners.
“Till the next date , however, status quo will be maintained,”it had stated.
This came after the bench has sought a response from the respondents, granting them two days to obtain necessary instructions.
The petitioners alleged that the MPSC’s decision to conduct direct interviews for the position contradicts the Meghalaya Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Service Rules, 2000.
The petitioners claimed that Rule 7(5) of the Meghalaya Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Service Rules, 2000, mandates direct recruitment to any post in the grade II (Junior) through examination or interview conducted by the Commission. The MPSC’s method allegedly violates this rule.
The petitioners accused the MPSC of nepotism, stating that despite being eminently qualified, their names did not appear in the select list.
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