SC to hear petition on quota in APPSC tomorrow

New Delhi, Jul 31 (UNI) The Supreme Court will tomorrow consider the stage at which the policy of reservation will be applicable in the selection process of candidates in public services.

A bench headed by Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan today agreed to hear the petition on urgent basis filed by Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) and 30 canidates who have challenged the Andhra Pradesh High court order dated July 23.

Altogether 9800 candidates had appeared for 196 posts for Group- A services of AP government.

The state Administrative Tribunal in its order had held that quota policy cannot be made applicable from the preliminary stage.

The high court, however, reversed the Tribunal judgement and held that reservation policy should be applied from the preliminary stage.

The petitioners' counsel contended before the apex court that the operation of the impugned order should be stayed till the final disposal of the petition as the impugned order will disrupt the entire selection process which is in final stages.

According to APPSC, shortlisting of candidates on the basis of the high court order shall be violative of Article 14 and 16 (4) of the Constitution of India.

UNI SC SP AS1649