#Merit-cum-preference

The Madhya Pradesh High Court ruled that candidates in merit-cum-preference recruitment systems are bound by their locked preferences, even if lower-ranked candidates secure preferred posts. The court clarified that merit determines eligibility to choose preferences, not post-allocation adjustments, reinforcing estoppel in government recruitment.

Patna High Court rules that reserved category candidates who qualify on merit must be granted their preferred postings, even if allocated against general category vacancies. The judgment reinforces that constitutional principles under Articles 14 and 16 require adherence to merit-cum-preference, ensuring equitable treatment in public recruitment.