Supreme Court Says Recruitment Ambiguity Must Benefit Qualified Candidate

The Supreme Court held that ambiguous qualification requirements in a recruitment advertisement should be construed in favour of an applicant who prima facie meets the stated criteria.

Background and dispute

The dispute concerned a wait-listed librarian candidate in Jammu and Kashmir whose degree and experience were questioned because the advertisement did not clearly explain the relevant experience requirement.

Legal issue and court’s approach

Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Shree Chandrashekhar faulted an interpretation that disadvantaged a candidate despite prima facie relevant qualifications. The ruling does not dispense with essential eligibility conditions; it addresses uncertainty created by the recruiting authority.

Order and practical consequence

The adverse High Court decision was set aside, requiring reconsideration consistent with the fair reading of the advertisement.