The Assam Government has decided to challenge the Gauhati High Court’s reinstatement order concerning 52 officials previously dismissed in the high-profile Assam job scam case, also known as the APSC cash-for-jobs scandal.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed the decision to file a Special Leave Petition (SLP) in the Supreme Court of India. The court had ordered the reinstatement of 52 civil, police, and allied service officers from the 2013–14 batches, citing procedural lapses in their dismissal.
What Is the Assam Job Scam Case?
The Assam job scam case stems from irregularities in the recruitment process of the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) during 2013–14. A massive investigation revealed that many candidates paid bribes to secure government jobs.
Key facts:
- Over 70 people were arrested, including senior APSC officials and officers.
- Former APSC Chairman Rakesh Paul was sentenced to 14 years in prison.
- The scandal involved forged answer scripts and impersonation in viva and written tests.
- Officers had already completed probation and were in service when terminated.
High Court’s Reinstatement Order
In June 2025, the Gauhati High Court ruled that the termination of the 52 officers lacked due process. The court found that the state had violated natural justice by not giving the accused officers a proper opportunity to respond to the charges.
The court ordered their reinstatement without back wages. However, it allowed the government to re-initiate disciplinary proceedings, if done fairly.
“We will appeal to the Supreme Court. We want to ensure that only deserving, meritorious candidates serve the public,” said CM Sarma.
Assam Government’s Legal Stand
The state government has consistently taken a firm stance against corruption in recruitment. Officials argue that reinstating those found guilty of buying jobs undermines merit-based recruitment and sets a poor precedent.
Likely legal arguments:
- The dismissals were based on evidence from CID and vigilance investigations.
- Corruption was proven through forensic analysis of answer scripts.
- Fair hearings were provided before dismissals.
Political and Public Reaction
Opposition parties like the Congress and AIUDF have criticized the state for its “incompetent handling” of the job scam. However, some legal analysts and civil groups back the High Court’s view, citing the need for lawful and transparent processes even in disciplinary actions.
The Assam Public Service Reform Forum (APSRF) urged the government to set up an independent recruitment oversight body.
“Fighting corruption is vital, but it must be within the framework of the law,” said APSRF leader Manoj Das.
Impact on Aspirants and Recruitment Trust
The reinstatement order has shaken confidence among thousands of job aspirants in Assam. Many worry whether future recruitment exams will be free from interference or fraud.
For candidates:
- Stay updated via assam.gov.in
- Avoid unofficial exam “agents”
- Keep all exam documentation secure
What Happens Next?
With the state set to file an appeal in the Supreme Court, the final verdict will have long-term implications on public sector recruitment integrity in Assam.
The outcome could either uphold the government’s anti-corruption stance or reinforce judicial protection for procedural fairness.
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