REET 2021 Paper Leak: Rajasthan High Court Refuses To Stay Level-I Recruitments

Acting Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava and Justice Sameer Jain, observed,

"Though at this stage, a prayer is made that as far as a result of REET Level-I examination is concerned, respondents may be restrained from making appointments out of that select list, this aspect would be considered on the next date of hearing. However, considering that the action of the respondents in not cancelling the REET Level-I examination is under scrutiny by this Court, we would, at this stage, observe that appointments, if any made, would be subject to the outcome of the writ petition."

It also expressed satisfaction at the status report submitted by the Advocate General on behalf of the investigation agency and directed that a further report be placed on record. Meanwhile, the Registrar (Judicial) is directed to keep the present report in a sealed cover.

The court noted that the allegations contained in the petition and the material placed on record, prima facie appear to be replied by respondent in their return and the investigation status report deals with the investigation in the direction regarding possible involvement.

It perused the investigation status report and opined that material collected during the investigation do not support the allegation made by the petitioners against those who so far have not been made as accused in the case.

Moreover, it was ordered by the court that further investigation status shall be submitted before the court on the next date of hearing. The court also allowed the petitioners to make their submissions in support of their allegations in the writ petition with regard to leakage of the question paper on the next date.

The matter is next listed on 26.05.2022.

Notably, on 24.02.2022, the Rajasthan High Court had ordered to keep under its supervisory control the ongoing investigation by State's Special Operation Group (SOG) in the REET-2021 examination paper leak case.

A division bench of Chief Justice Akil Kureshi and Justice Sudesh Bansal, observed,

"Investigation must not be fair but must also appear to be fully fair and free from any pulls or pressures. As of now, we do not see any reason to disturb the ongoing investigation in the hands of SOG. However we would keep the supervisory control of this ongoing investigation. This would enable us to observe closely the further progress of investigation and consider the option of forming a special investigating team if at any stage we find that the investigation is not progressing satisfactorily."

REET Paper Leak: Rajasthan High Court Refuses To Transfer Probe To CBI; Will Monitor Progress Made By State's 'Special Operation Group'

Adv. Aayush Mall, Adv. Ram Pratap Saini and Adv. Dinesh Kumar Garg appeared on behalf of the petitioners while AG M.S. Singhvi, AAG C.L. Saini, AAG Rajesh Mehrishi, Adv. Darsh Pareek and Adv. Vigyan Shah appeared for the respondents. Ashok Rathore, Additional Director General of Police ATS and SOG Rajasthan along with Himanshu Sharma, I.O. were also present during the hearing..

Case Title: Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (Abvp) v. The State Of Rajasthan