HC seeks clarification on rules for appointment of PPSC chairman

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the state of Punjab to provide clarity on the rules or notifications governing the appointment the Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) chairman.

The order came during the hearing of a public interest litigation filed by Preet Harinder Singh Pannu, who raised concerns about the advertisement inviting applications for the post.

Appearing in person before a Division Bench, Pannu submitted that certain notifications/rules were lying in the office of respondent-state, governing the “field of appointment to the post of chairman”.

The court, after hearing his submissions, instructed the counsel representing the state to seek instructions and clarify whether these rules or notifications were in place and had been duly notified.

“The counsel appearing on behalf of the state is directed to seek instructions and inform this court as to ‘whether any such rules or notifications are in place and notified governing the appointment to the post of chairman of Punjab Public Service Commission?’,” the Bench concluded.

The matter is scheduled for further hearing on January 10, 2025, with the court awaiting a detailed response from the state government regarding the procedural framework for appointment.