Law: Constitution of Pakistan, 1973

Section: 199,18,25,27

Summary The petitioner sought 15 grace marks and appointment as a Police Constable, claiming entitlement as the child of a serving police officer. The Court held that grace marks cannot be awarded to a candidate who failed the interview and further ruled that recruitment preferences based on parental service violate constitutional principles of merit and equality. The petition was dismissed. Sections Used Article 199 Articles 18, 25, 27 2-Word Description Grace Marks Merit Recruitment O R D E R Petitioner Ashiq Ali has filed this Constitution Petition under Article 199 of the Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan 1973, seeking following relief:- That this Honorable Court may be pleased to direct the Respondent to look into matter of the Petitioner in accordance with law grant him 15 Grace marks and issue an appointment letter in favor of the Petitioner for the post of Constable (BPS-7).   To grant any other relief which deems fit and proper, under circumstances of case.   It is the case of the petitioner that he applied for the post of Police Constable (BPS-07) in Sindh Police following the advertisement issued on 24.03.2024. He successfully cleared the physical and written tests conducted by SIBA Testing Service and appeared for the interview before the SSP Shikarpur, where he performed well. Being a child of a serving police officer, he was entitled to 15 grace marks under the recruitment policy. He submitted that despite fulfilling all eligibility criteria and completing the verification process, the petitioner’s name did not appear in the final merit list. The petitioner’s counsel contended that he was discriminated against, as other candidates entitled to similar grace marks were considered while he was denied this benefit, constituting a violation of Articles 25 and 27 of the Constitution, fundamental rights, and the Sindh Police Recruitment Policy. She submitted applications and legal notices to the respondents for redressal, but no action was taken, causing financial and moral hardship. She prayed to allow this petition.   The respondents, through learned AAG, submitted that the petitioner failed the interview,…