Early Times Report
JAMMU, Sept 30: The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh at Jammu has dismissed an appeal challenging the introduction of negative marking in the JKPSC preliminary examination, holding that the provision was already part of the governing rules and duly notified before the test.
The appeal was filed by Antriksh Sharma against the order of the Writ Court dated September 17, 2025, which had rejected his petition seeking quashment of JKPSC Notice No. PSC/DR/LAW/2025 dated September 10, 2025. The petitioner had argued that introducing negative marking after commencement of the selection process amounted to changing rules mid-way, and that modifications in the syllabus adversely impacted candidates.
However, the Division Bench of Justice Rajnesh Oswal and Justice Rajesh Sekhri observed that the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (Conduct of Examination) Rules, 2022, already mandated negative marking for incorrect answers. The notification dated September 10, 2025, was issued prior to the exam held on September 28, 2025, leaving no scope for grievance.
The Court also noted that changes in the syllabus were necessitated by the repeal of laws following the Reorganisation Act, 2019, and hence could not be faulted. Since the appellant had already participated in the examination, his challenge was found to be misconceived.
Dismissing the appeal, the Court upheld the earlier decision of the Writ Court, concluding that no indulgence was warranted.
(JNF) |
