Law: Limitation Act, 1908

Section:

Law: Constitution of Pakistan, 1973

Section: 199,185

Case Summary

The petitioners challenged the recruitment process for Junior Elementary School Teachers (JEST) and Primary School Teachers (PST), BPS-14, under the Recruitment Policy 2021. They claimed that they were entitled to two additional marks in recognition of their Associate Degree in Education (ADE), as per policy. Despite securing required marks and possessing relevant qualifications, these marks were not awarded, allegedly in violation of the policy and due to political influence. After unsuccessfully seeking relief from official channels, the petitioners moved the court for the inclusion of the additional marks and issuance of appointment orders.

However, the court found that the petitioners filed their case after an unexplained delay of four years, without providing cogent evidence of attempts for redressal. By the time of their challenge, appointments had been finalized and rights accrued in favor of other candidates. The court ruled the matter was barred by the doctrine of laches and dismissed the petition.

Core Legal Points

Doctrine of Laches:
The petition was dismissed due to the unexplained, inordinate delay in seeking judicial remedy. The doctrine holds that a right may be lost if not pursued promptly and courts can refuse relief to claimants who delay unreasonably.