The Jharkhand High Court has directed the state government to file its counter affidavit by September 18 in a case challenging the cancellation of appointments made through the 11th and 13th Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) examinations.
During the hearing, the state government sought four weeks’ time to submit its counter affidavit. The High Court, however, declined the request and directed the government to file its response by September 18. The matter has been listed for further hearing on the same date.
The court’s interim directions have provided relief to the petitioners and other candidates selected through the 11th and 13th JPSC examinations whose appointments were affected by the government’s cancellation notification. They have been permitted to continue in their respective posts pending further orders.
Earlier, on August 20, 2026, the High Court had stayed the operation of the state government notifications cancelling the appointments of the selected candidates. The court had also stayed the order relating to the cancellation of appointments of Food Safety Officers.
The proceedings are significant for the affected JPSC candidates, as the court’s interim protection allows them to continue working while the legality of the government’s decision to cancel the appointments is examined. The next hearing on September 18 is expected to clarify the government’s stand after submission of its counter affidavit.
