Karnataka High Court: SC/ST Commission Cannot Recommend SBI Employment on Compassionate Grounds
Karnataka HC rules SC/ST Commission can't advise SBI on job grounds. Petition allowed, nullifies Commission's directive. Case: State Bank of India v. Karnataka SC/ST Commission.
The Karnataka High Court has issued a significant ruling stating that the Karnataka State Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes lacks the authority to advise the State Bank of India (SBI) regarding compassionate appointments.
In a judgment delivered by Justice Sachin Shankar Magadum, a single judge bench allowed a petition filed by the State Bank of India, thereby nullifying the Commission's directive to provide employment to Chetana Sadashiva Kambale Sevanagara.
The court emphasized that both the Supreme Court and the Karnataka High Court have consistently maintained that commissions for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes do not possess the jurisdiction to intervene in service-related matters. Justice Magadum reiterated this stance by stating, "The impugned recommendation/direction issued by 1st respondent - Commission as per Annexure-A is found to be in contravention of the law laid down by the Apex Court and this Court."
The court further elucidated, "The impugned order being one without jurisdiction, is not sustainable and therefore, is liable to be set aside."
While granting the petition, the court clarified that its decision does not hinder the second respondent from appropriately requesting employment on compassionate grounds.
