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of <h1>Supreme Court emphasizes evidence in mala fides case, stresses procedural fairness</h1> <h3>U.O.I. & ANR. Versus ASHUTOSH KUMAR SRIVASTAVA & ANR.</h3> U.O.I. & ANR. Versus ASHUTOSH KUMAR SRIVASTAVA & ANR. - 2001 AIR 4004, 2001 (3) Suppl. SCR 488, 2002 (1) SCC 188, 2001 (8) JT 251, 2001 (6) SCALE 597 Issues:1. Allegation of mala fides on the part of the Selection Committee.2. Quashing of viva voce test result and direction for a fresh test.3. Allegations regarding bias and influence in the selection process.4. Assessment of marks allocation and interview conduct by the Selection Committee.5. Tribunal's approach and decision-making process.Detailed Analysis:1. The respondent alleged mala fides by the Selection Committee due to the relationship between a member of the committee and an individual facing disciplinary proceedings. The Tribunal did not conclusively establish this relationship but considered the association between the committee member and his secretary as sufficient to vitiate the interview. The Supreme Court criticized this approach, emphasizing the need to prove mala fides with substantial evidence rather than assumptions. The Court highlighted the presumption in favor of administrative actions being in good faith unless proven otherwise.2. The Tribunal quashed the viva voce test result and directed a fresh test by a new Selection Committee. The Supreme Court found fault with the Tribunal's decision-making process, stating that unless bias was proven, the focus should have been on ensuring compliance with rules during the interview process. The Court emphasized the importance of objective assessments and adherence to relevant procedures in such cases.3. Allegations of bias and influence in the selection process were based on perceived connections between committee members and individuals under scrutiny. The Tribunal's reliance on indirect associations to establish bias was criticized by the Supreme Court. The Court highlighted the need for concrete evidence to support claims of partiality and cautioned against drawing conclusions based on conjecture or indirect relationships.4. The Tribunal delved into the marks allocation and interview conduct by the Selection Committee, questioning the justification of marks awarded and the overall assessment process. The Supreme Court disagreed with the Tribunal's approach, stating that unless procedural violations were proven, the Tribunal should not have interfered with the assessment made by the Selection Committee. The Court emphasized the importance of following established procedures and rules in such selection processes.5. The Supreme Court critiqued the Tribunal's decision-making process, noting that the Tribunal overstepped its role by independently assessing marks allocation and interview conduct. The Court emphasized that the Tribunal should have focused on evaluating compliance with rules and procedures rather than substituting its judgment for that of the Selection Committee. Ultimately, the Court set aside the Tribunal's order and dismissed the original application, highlighting the need for adherence to due process and procedural fairness in administrative decisions.This detailed analysis of the Supreme Court judgment highlights the key issues raised, the Tribunal's decisions, and the Court's critique of the decision-making process, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based assessments and procedural compliance in administrative matters.
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