The TNPSC Motor Vehicle Inspector recruitment dispute reached final resolution as the Supreme Court directed the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission to complete the long-pending 2018 selection process without further delay. The Court also upheld the Madras High Court’s directions and allowed reconsideration of workshop experience based on retrospective approvals.
A Bench of Justice J.K. Maheshwari and Justice Atul S. Chandurkar delivered the judgment on June 15, 2026, in a batch of civil appeals arising from SLP (C) No. 7906 of 2024 and connected matters.
Background of the Case
TNPSC issued Notification No. 03/2018 on February 14, 2018. It invited applications for 113 Motor Vehicle Inspector Grade-II posts.
First, 2,176 candidates applied. Then, 1,328 candidates cleared the written test. Later, TNPSC shortlisted 33 candidates. It issued appointment orders to 32 candidates in November 2019.
However, litigation soon followed. The Madras High Court set aside the appointments. It ordered fresh verification of workshop experience certificates. It also clarified that 240 days of work would satisfy the one-year experience requirement.
After that, a Division Bench directed reconsideration of retrospective approvals and completion of the process within timelines.
Issues Before the Supreme Court
Several groups of candidates approached the Court. Some challenged exclusion from the revised list of 226 candidates. Others opposed the direction for a fresh selection exercise. TNPSC also challenged disclosure of marks of candidates outside the zone of consideration.
Importantly, the dispute focused on whether retrospective approvals and workshop experience could be reconsidered fairly.
Retrospective Approvals and Eligibility
The Court noted that the Motor Vehicles Maintenance Department re-verified records and submitted its report in April 2024. It confirmed retrospective approvals for workshops.
Moreover, several candidates earlier found ineligible later proved valid experience. Therefore, the Court allowed their consideration in the final selection process.
The Court emphasized that no automatic selection would follow. Instead, all candidates must compete equally.
Court Upholds Fresh Selection Process
Next, the Supreme Court upheld the Madras High Court’s direction for a fresh selection exercise. It agreed that candidates should not suffer due to administrative delays in workshop approvals.
In addition, the Court held that inclusion in the earlier list of 226 candidates did not create any vested right.
The Bench observed that a wider pool ensures fairness and improves merit-based selection.
The Court also stated that the process promotes a level playing field for all applicants.
PSTM Quota and Mark Disclosure
Further, the Court upheld the findings on the Persons Studied in Tamil Medium (PSTM) quota. It accepted institutional certificates as valid proof.
It also rejected TNPSC’s argument that additional certification was necessary.
Additionally, the Court upheld the direction to disclose marks of candidates outside the zone of consideration. It found that transparency outweighed administrative objections in a prolonged recruitment process.
Final Directions
The Court issued clear directions:
- TNPSC must complete the TNPSC Motor Vehicle Inspector recruitment process without delay
- Eligible candidates after re-verification must be included in the selection pool
- The fresh selection exercise will continue as directed by the High Court
- Earlier shortlisted candidates may still participate
- PSTM and mark disclosure directions will remain in force
Finally, the Court disposed of all appeals and applications. It directed strict compliance with timelines set by the High Court.
