Dismissing the challenge to an Anganwadi Helper's replacement, the Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court upheld the Deputy Commissioner's comparative assessment under the applicable selection guidelines.
Judge / Bench — Justice Rajnesh Oswal
An earlier report had treated the candidates as effectively tied, leaving the authority to select the most deserving. The successful candidate's centrally located accommodation and the comparative landholding position supported the decision. Although the impugned order described the petitioner as BPL, the selection list had considered her in the AAY category; the Court did not regard that discrepancy as requiring remand on this record. The ruling illustrates fact-specific review of selection discretion rather than a general rule that central residence alone overrides the prescribed criteria. Interim protection ceased on dismissal.
Case — Mafooza Bano v. State of J&K and others · SWP No. 1736/2013 · 23 October 2026 · Srinagar wing
Advocates appearing — Petitioner — Mr. Mir Umar, Advocate. Respondents — Mr. T. A. Lone, Dy. AG; Mr. I. Sofi, Advocate.