The Rajasthan High Court has granted a one-time opportunity to candidates who missed the Physical Efficiency Test (PET) for recruitment to the posts of Sub-Inspector/Platoon Commander due to circumstances such as illness, physical injuries, pregnancy and heavy rains.

The bench of Justice Sameer Jain has directed the authorities to conduct a rescheduled test in September 2026. Candidates availing the relief, except those with valid Below Poverty Line (BPL) status, will have to deposit ₹10,000 towards the organisational expenses.

The Court observed that the petitioners had nothing to gain by deliberately missing the PET and that their absence was due to genuine and unavoidable circumstances.

“The paramount consideration is the interest of justice and a balanced approach. It is an admitted fact that the petitioners stood to gain nothing by deliberately missing the PET; and their absence was compelled by genuine, unavoidable circumstances as discussed above.”

For context, the Court was hearing a bunch of petitions by candidates who had successfully cleared Phase I of the recruitment process for the Posts but were unable to mark their presence for the PET on account of bona fide reasons and force majeure events on the allotted date.

Hence, petitions were filed seeking merciful, equitable and justified relaxation and another opportunity to appear for the PET. It was highlighted that the recruitments for the Posts were happening after almost 9 years.

On the contrary, the State argued that re-examination of such a magnitude would entail immense logistical preparation, and heavy financial expenditure. Further, it would make the selection process an endless exercise.

The counsel argued that in public exams, individual cases could not be permitted to override larger public interest.

After hearing the contentions, the Court considered the lapse of 9 years in recruitments of the Posts, as well as the fact that the third phase of the recruitment had not yet begun, thus no third party rights were finalized.

The Court highlighted that no mala fides were alleged on part of the petitioners, and it was admitted that they had nothing to gain by deliberately missing the PET.

Hence, it was observed that,

“In the considered opinion of this Court, if a reasonable, singular opportunity is granted for rescheduling PET, no substantial prejudice will be caused to either side, except for the logistical and financial burden on the organizing authority. To balance these equities, this Court deems it appropriate that the financial burden must be borne by the defaulting candidates who want to re-appear in PET.”

In this regard, the Court granted one-time relaxation by directing rescheduling of PET, in the second week of September, 2026, at one designated center, exclusively for those petitioners who shall approach the authority within stipulated time.

To balance the equities, it was opined that except for those having valid BPL status, candidates seeking this relaxation shall deposit a cost of Rs. 10,000/- to the authority.

The Court clarified that the relief granted was limited and specific, having no generalized, widespread effect to reopen the entire process.

Title: Ajay Sharma v State of Rajasthan & Ors, and other connected petitions

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (Raj) 342

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