Cheating In Government Exams Against Meritocracy, Stern Measures Must: Allahabad HC Rejects Bail Plea

The Allahabad High Court recently denied bail to a man accused of impersonation and cheating in the recruitment process of constables in UP Police this year.

Amit Kumar, who has been in custody since February 17, 2024, is alleged to have appeared for the U.P. Police Recruitment Board examination on behalf of the original candidate, Sachin Yadav. The examination, held at P.R.T. Saraswati Inter College in Shikohabad, was marred by Kumar’s use of a forged admit card and Aadhaar card. The biometric verification system, which failed to match Kumar’s details, led to his immediate apprehension by the school authorities and subsequent handover to the police.

His counsel Alok Ashish Vaibhava argued that Kumar had been falsely implicated and highlighted his lack of prior criminal history. The counsel stressed that Kumar had been languishing in jail for several months and assured the court that he would not misuse the liberty of bail and would fully cooperate with the trial proceedings.

The counsel for the state vehemently opposed the bail application emphasising the gravity of the offence. The state’s counsel underscored that Kumar was caught red-handed while attempting to fraudulently secure a position in the U.P. Police, a role that demands utmost integrity and honesty.

A bench of Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal noted the serious nature of the allegations. The judge highlighted the severe implications of exam fraud on the principles of meritocracy and social fairness.

He stated, “Cheating in government exams undermines the principles of meritocracy and equal opportunities, which were essential for fostering social mobility and ensuring fairness in society.”

He emphasized that allowing individuals involved in such malpractices to evade justice could perpetuate inequality and damage societal structures.

“The acts of cheating in examinations, thus, must be dealt with a stern hand, as their effects were not limited to an individual but impact society as a whole”, he stressed.

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