Jyoti Verma v. Union of India

1. On 28 July 2020, a notification was issued by the Sashastra Seema Bal[1] for recruitment to the post of Group-„C‟ Non-Gazetted (Combatised) Constable in various trades. The petitioner applied for the post of Constable under the trade „Washerman‟. He participated in the first three stages of the selection process and successfully cleared them. He was called to appear for a detailed medical examination which, too, he cleared successfully.

2. On 21 November 2023, the SSB declared the final result of the candidates. 138 candidates, whose identities were at that time suspect, were withheld, subject to verification of their identity by the “SSB”, hereinafter CFPB[2] /CFSL[3], to whom the specimen signatures of the candidates and their finger prints were sent.

3. The grievance of the petitioner, in the present case, is that the petitioner‟s result has yet to be declared, even though the CFSL forwarded its examination report in respect of the petitioner‟s signatures to the respondents on 6 May 2025.

4. Ms. Saahila Lamba, learned Counsel for the petitioner, fairly states that she is not aware of the said result but that repeated entreaties with the respondents in this regard are yielding no response.

5. We have, therefore, called upon Ms. Uma Prasuna Bachu, learned SPC for the respondents to take instructions.

6. Ms. Uma Prasuna Bachu has today placed before us an Intra Office Note dated 14 August 2025, which is taken on record. We deem it appropriate to reproduce the said Intra Office Note in extenso thus: “No. 526/RC/SSB/Court Case/Jyoti Verma/CT(WM)/2020/25- 4876-77 Dated:- 14/08/25 Intra Office Note Sub:- WP(C) No. of 2025 titled Jyoti Verma Vs UOI & Ors. filed before the Hon’ble High Court of Delhi. Please refer to JAG Branch FHQ I.O.N NO. 232/SSB/LC/2025/1073 dated 14.08.2025 requesting therein to “Central Finger Prints Bureau” “Central Forensic Science Laboratory” provide the necessary instruction of the subject matter as the next date of hearing is fixed on 18.08.2025. In this regard, it is intimated that Identity Verification Board, FHQ vide I.O.N No. PS/DIG (Admn)/Rectt Matter/2024- 25/531 dated 14.08.2025 has submitted board proceedings alongwith CFPB/CFSL report in respect of Roll No. 2171105088 Jyoti Verma, a candidate for the post of Constable (Washer Man) 2020 (who was kept under suspected category due to biometric mismatched) without any opinion/ recommendation as the signature and handwritings though have no any fundamental difference between both sets of questioned & specimen signatures by the expert examiner of CFSL, but clear specimen impression is required for comparison and opinion of CFPB before reaching to any opinion by the identity verification Board. In view of above, completion of identity verification in respect of Roll No. 2171105088 Jyoti Verma may require more time as fresh finger prints of the candidate has to be obtained and forwarded to CFPB for necessary comparison afresh. It is therefore, Hon‟ble Court may be apprised with the status and requested to grant 6-8 weeks time to complete identity verification of the petitioner and to take further actions based on findings/ merit of verification report.”

7. Clearly, from a reading of the aforesaid Note, the CFSL has submitted an opinion in favour of the petitioner. It is only the CFPB which is seeking further time, in order to compare finger prints.

8. The respondents do not seek to question the correctness of the report of the CFSL.

9. Once the signatures have been compared by the CFSL and no discrepancy is found therein, we see no reason as to why the petitioner‟s result should not be declared.

10. In that view of the matter, we direct the respondents to declare the petitioner‟s result.

11. The writ petition stands allowed in the aforesaid terms.

C. HARI SHANKAR, J

OM PRAKASH SHUKLA, J AUGUST 18, 2025