S.A.BOBDE,J. - (1.) These Writ Petitions under Article 32 of the Constitution have been filed at the instance of more than 90 candidates challenging the entire selection process and evaluation method adopted in the Main (Written) Examination of Civil Judge (Junior Division) [herein referred to as "Main Exam"] in the Haryana Civil Service (Judicial Branch) Examination ­ 2017 and seeking to quash the result declared on 11.4.2019 along with the directions to get all the Signature Not Verified papers of the Main Exam of the petitioners to be re-evaluated by an Independent Expert Committee, besides the constitution of an Independent Judicial Service Commission for conducting examinations for selection of Lower Judicial Officers. Factual Background
(2.) Pursuant to the Notification-cum-Advertisement No. 6 of 2016 published on 20.03.2017 [herein after referred to as the "Original Notification"] for recruitment to 109 posts of Civil Judge (Junior Division) in Haryana Civil Service (Judicial Branch) ­ 2017, Preliminary Examination was conducted on 16.07.2017. However, on account of question paper-leak, the High Court of Punjab & Haryana scrapped the said examination on 13.09.2017. Thereafter, 107 posts were re-notified on 27.08.2018, out of which 75 were meant for General Category and the remaining 32 were earmarked for Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes (a), Backward Classes (b), Economically Backward Persons in General Category, Ex-Service Men and Physically Handicapped Persons of Haryana State.
(3.) The examination was conducted in accordance with provisions of Punjab Civil Services (Judicial Branch) Rules, 1951 as applicable to the State of Haryana and as amended from time to time including vide notification no. GSR1/Const./Art.234 & 309/2017 dated 09.01.2017. This examination comprised of three stages ­ (I) Preliminary Examination (II) Main Examination (III) Viva Voce ;