Kolkata: The Calcutta High Court stated that individuals with a height below 169.5 cm are ineligible for height-rule-related benefits in the recruitment process for CAPF and Assam Rifles, while refusing to interfere with physical standard test result of a candidate.
Justice Arindam Mukherjee on Nov 29 stated that in the present case, the candidate was found to have a height below 169.5 cm. Therefore, he cannot reap the benefit of the rule on its “simple interpretation that in case of a shortfall in height less than 0.5 cm the candidate should be considered.” However, he registered his disagreement with the authorities’ interpretation, stating that the same is only applicable in the case of computing the BMI.
“The stipulation for BMI and for the height relaxation are distinctly and separately provided,” the judgment stated. The interpretation was correct and acceptable, but since the height was less than 169.5 cm, the candidate was not entitled to reap the benefit. The candidate had applied for the recruitment of constable (general duty) in CAPF, SSF and Riflemen in Assam Rifles in 2024.
The selection process was divided into three parts: computer-based examination, physical standard test (PST), and physical efficiency test (PET). If the candidate satisfies the minimum requirement, they are sent for PET and thereafter for medical examination. Success there would determine their selection for the position. There is also a provision for review medical examination, which can be sought by the candidate in case declared unfit in the medical examination.
In this case, the candidate was able to reach PST but was rejected on the grounds of his height not meeting the minimum requirement of 170 cm. His height was 169.4 cm. Basing his arguments on the guideline for recruitment medical examination, he approached the high court stating that employment could be given through a benefit of height if it is short by 0.5 cm.
He relied on an order of another Calcutta HC bench on Nov 8, wherein a candidate with a height above 169.5 but below 170 cm was allowed. However, the authorities stated that the 2015 guidelines are not applicable in the PST stage but only for the recruitment medical examination.
Justice Arindam Mukherjee on Nov 29 stated that in the present case, the candidate was found to have a height below 169.5 cm. Therefore, he cannot reap the benefit of the rule on its “simple interpretation that in case of a shortfall in height less than 0.5 cm the candidate should be considered.” However, he registered his disagreement with the authorities’ interpretation, stating that the same is only applicable in the case of computing the BMI.
“The stipulation for BMI and for the height relaxation are distinctly and separately provided,” the judgment stated. The interpretation was correct and acceptable, but since the height was less than 169.5 cm, the candidate was not entitled to reap the benefit. The candidate had applied for the recruitment of constable (general duty) in CAPF, SSF and Riflemen in Assam Rifles in 2024.
The selection process was divided into three parts: computer-based examination, physical standard test (PST), and physical efficiency test (PET). If the candidate satisfies the minimum requirement, they are sent for PET and thereafter for medical examination. Success there would determine their selection for the position. There is also a provision for review medical examination, which can be sought by the candidate in case declared unfit in the medical examination.
In this case, the candidate was able to reach PST but was rejected on the grounds of his height not meeting the minimum requirement of 170 cm. His height was 169.4 cm. Basing his arguments on the guideline for recruitment medical examination, he approached the high court stating that employment could be given through a benefit of height if it is short by 0.5 cm.
He relied on an order of another Calcutta HC bench on Nov 8, wherein a candidate with a height above 169.5 but below 170 cm was allowed. However, the authorities stated that the 2015 guidelines are not applicable in the PST stage but only for the recruitment medical examination.
