Legal Analysis: Durgapur Steel Plant & Ors. vs. Bidhan Chandra Chowdhury & Ors

Citation: 2026 INSC 459
Court: Supreme Court of India
Bench: Justice Pamidighantam Sri Narasimha and Justice Alok Aradhe
Date of Decision: May 7, 2026
Nature of Judgment: Civil Appeals under Article 136 against High Court order affirming Tribunal’s direction to appoint candidates to the post of Plant Attendant.

Synopsis of the Judgment

An advertisement for Plant Attendant posts was issued in 2007. The written examination was outsourced; results of 29,459 candidates were not published. Only roll numbers of shortlisted candidates (1,530) were disclosed. The respondents (unsuccessful candidates) filed writ petitions after appointments were completed, alleging non-disclosure of marks and non-preservation of records. The Tribunal directed the appellants to appoint the respondents to the post of Plant Attendant with prospective benefits. The High Court affirmed. The Supreme Court set aside the directions, holding that: (i) there was no requirement to publish marks of all candidates; (ii) the respondents failed to prove they had passed the examination; (iii) no indefeasible right to appointment exists from mere participation; (iv) qualifications had been revised in 2008. However, considering the long pendency (since 2008), the Court directed payment of ₹5 lakhs to respondent No.1 as compensation.

1. Basic Information of the Judgment

Field Details Case Title Durgapur Steel Plant & Ors. vs. Bidhan Chandra Chowdhury & Ors. Civil Appeal Nos. Arising out of SLP(C) No. 41/2020 and SLP(C) No. 14491/2021 Bench Justice Pamidighantam Sri Narasimha and Justice Alok Aradhe Date of Decision May 7, 2026 Citation 2026 INSC 459 Appeal From Order dated 19.07.2019 and judgment dated 27.09.2019 of Calcutta High Court

2. Legal Framework

Laws/Provisions:

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