The Punjab and Haryana High Court has put a stop to the selection process for 454 posts of pharmacist and pharmacy officers. The court acted after finding that the question paper for the exam was leaked while the test was still going on.
The Bench of Justice Sandeep Moudgil heard the matter and, on a prima facie basis, found that the paper was leaked live during the examination held on July 19. Answers were supplied to candidates through digital and electronic modes as the exam was in progress.
What the Court Found in the Punjab Exam Leak
The court's order came after shocking details emerged from the petition filed in the case. Justice Moudgil noted that the preliminary investigation by the Punjab Police had already revealed how the scam worked.
According to the findings, exorbitant amounts of Rs 3.5 lakh to Rs 13 lakh per candidate were being charged for guaranteed passing marks. Several candidates had also handed over post-dated cheques as financial security to the scammers.
The Bench observed that these were serious revelations that could not be ignored. The court stayed the selection process for the 454 posts and sought an explanation from the State.
Why the High Court Wants a CBI Probe
Justice Moudgil also asked the State to explain why the investigation should not be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The court's question suggests it is not satisfied with how the Punjab Police probe is being handled so far.
The court's concern is simple. If a question paper can be leaked live during an exam and answers can be sent to candidates through digital and electronic modes, then the entire selection process loses its meaning. The candidates who studied honestly and appeared for the exam without any unfair means are the ones who suffer the most.
The stay means the selection process for these 454 posts cannot move forward until the court is satisfied with the investigation. The State now has to answer the court's questions about who should handle the probe.
Our Take: Why This Punjab Exam Leak Order Matters
In our view, the High Court's order is the right step. When a paper is leaked live during an exam, every result that follows becomes doubtful. Staying the process protects the candidates who played fair.
To put it plainly, the numbers in this case are alarming. Charging Rs 3.5 lakh to Rs 13 lakh per candidate for guaranteed passing marks shows how organised this racket was. The fact that candidates handed over post-dated cheques as security shows the scam had a proper financial system behind it.
The court's question about handing the probe to the CBI is also important. A leak that involved digital and electronic modes of supplying answers may have links beyond one state's police force. A central agency may be better placed to trace the full network.
For readers, especially those preparing for government exams in Punjab, this news matters. It shows that courts are watching. If you appear for an exam honestly and the paper is leaked, you now have a court that will stop the process rather than let it continue.
The State must now give clear answers. Who leaked the paper? How were answers sent live? Who collected the money? Until these questions are answered, the 454 posts should stay on hold. The court has done its part. The investigation now needs to do its own.
