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Checking relevance for Post Graduate Institute Of Medical Education And Research, Chandigarh VS K. L. Narasimhan...

1997 5 Supreme 37 : Yes, a single post can be reserved. The legal documents confirm that reservation applies to appointments in single post cadres, and the application of roster to single post cadres and appointment by promotion to carry forward posts is valid and constitutional. Furthermore, the documents state that clubbing of posts in various disciplines carrying the same scale of pay and grade is constitutionally permissible, which implies that individual posts, including single posts, can be reserved under the reservation policy. The reservation for Assistant Professor posts in various disciplines at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, is upheld as valid under Articles 14 and 16(1) of the Constitution, confirming that single posts are subject to reservation.Checking relevance for State Of Punjab VS G. S. Gill...

1997 4 Supreme 375 : Yes, a single post can be reserved. Reservation in promotion to a single post on the basis of the rule of rotation and application of the carry-forward rule and roster is not unconstitutional.Checking relevance for State Of Maharashtra VS Mayer Ham George...

Checking relevance for State Of U. P. VS M. C. CHATTOPADHYAYA...

2003 0 Supreme(SC) 34 : No, a single post cannot be reserved. The Constitution Bench judgment in Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research held that there cannot be any reservation in respect of an isolated post, thereby overruling the earlier judgment in Union of India v. Madhav, which had permitted reservation for isolated posts. This principle is now settled law, and reservation cannot be applied to an isolated post.Checking relevance for Priya Agrawal VS State of Chhattisgarh...

2022 0 Supreme(Chh) 60 : A single post cannot be reserved. The Supreme Court has held that in a single post cadre, reservation cannot be applied either directly or through rotation of a roster, as it would result in 100% reservation of the post, which is impermissible under the constitutional framework. This principle applies because there is no plurality of posts, and any attempt at reservation would exclude the general category candidates entirely, violating Article 16(1) of the Constitution. The post of President of District Commission in each district is considered a single isolated post and therefore not amenable to reservation under the Act of 1994.Checking relevance for Ankur Manna VS State Of West Bengal...

2022 0 Supreme(Cal) 1230 : The legal documents confirm that a single seat can be reserved for persons with benchmark disabilities under Section 32 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. Although the reservation is horizontal (5% across all categories), it is applied proportionally, and even fractional allocations (e.g., 0.75 seats in Dermatology) indicate that the system allows for the reservation of a single seat when the total number of seats is low. The court acknowledged that due to the small number of seats in certain streams like Dermatology (15 seats), the reservation requirement (5%) results in less than one seat (0.75), which is not sufficient to reserve a full seat. However, the reservation mechanism itself permits the allocation of a single seat when the statutory threshold is met, even if the number of seats is extremely limited.


AI Overview

AI Overview...

  • Reservation of a Single Post - Main points and insights
  • A single post can be reserved for specific categories, such as SC, women, or physically challenged, but this depends on the context and applicable rules. For example, the DSP post was reserved for ‘SC Sports (Women)’ and ‘SC Sports’ categories under different rules ["2025 4 Supreme 274"].
  • Rotation of reservation in a single post cadre can lead to situations where the post is exclusively reserved for certain categories at times, potentially excluding other candidates, which may be challenged legally ["2024 0 Supreme(UK) 617"].
  • Certain posts, like Dean or Headmistress, being single in cadre, generally cannot be reserved because it would amount to 100% reservation, which is legally impermissible ["2024 0 Supreme(UK) 617"].
  • Reservation for physically challenged candidates or specific categories like HI (Hearing Impaired) is permissible, provided the post is reserved accordingly, and the reservation aligns with legal standards ["2024 0 Supreme(Raj) 158"].
  • Unreserved posts are open to all candidates irrespective of category, and reservation does not apply to these posts unless explicitly specified ["2022 0 Supreme(Guj) 921"].
  • The reservation process must adhere to constitutional and judicial guidelines, such as proportionate reservation based on total posts and proper identification of posts for reserved categories ["2023 0 Supreme(Chh) 59"].
  • Reservation for a single post is permissible if it is explicitly reserved for a particular category, but broad or indefinite reservation in a single post can be challenged if it leads to complete exclusion of other categories ["2024 0 Supreme(UK) 617"].

  • Analysis and Conclusion

  • Reservation of a single post is legally permissible when explicitly reserved for a specific category, such as SC, women, or disabled persons, provided it complies with constitutional principles and judicial rulings.
  • Rotation of reservation in a single post cadre must be carefully managed to avoid legal issues related to total exclusion or 100% reservation, which are generally impermissible.
  • Posts that are unique or singular in cadre, like Dean or Headmistress, typically cannot be reserved, as this would amount to total reservation.
  • Reservation must be based on clear criteria, proper identification, and proportional representation, ensuring fairness and compliance with legal standards.
  • Overall, reservation for a single post is possible but must be implemented within the framework of constitutional law, judicial precedents, and specific rules governing reservation policies ["2025 4 Supreme 274"], ["2024 0 Supreme(UK) 617"], ["2024 0 Supreme(Raj) 158"], ["2022 0 Supreme(Guj) 921"], ["2023 0 Supreme(Chh) 59"].

References:- 2025 4 Supreme 274- 2024 0 Supreme(UK) 617- 2024 0 Supreme(Raj) 158- 2022 0 Supreme(Guj) 921- 2023 0 Supreme(Chh) 59

Legality of Reservation for Single Posts: Analyzing Supreme Court Jurisprudence on Cadre-Based Quotas

Can a Single Post Be Reserved in India? Supreme Court View

In the realm of Indian employment law, reservation policies play a crucial role in promoting social justice and equality. However, a common question arises: Can a single post be reserved? This issue often surfaces in government jobs, promotions, and public sector recruitments where candidates from reserved categories seek quotas for isolated vacancies. Understanding this is vital for aspirants, employers, and policymakers to navigate constitutional mandates effectively.

This blog delves into the legal principles, landmark Supreme Court judgments, and practical implications. While reservation aims to ensure representation for backward classes under Articles 14, 15, and 16 of the Constitution, it has clear boundaries—especially for single posts. Note: This is general information based on judicial precedents and not specific legal advice. Consult a qualified lawyer for personalized guidance.

Main Legal Finding: Reservation Not Permissible for Single Posts

Generally, reservation in respect of a single post is not permissible under Indian constitutional and legal principles. Reservation is intended for a cadre or a group of posts, not isolated, solitary positions. Applying reservation to a single post would effectively result in 100% reservation, excluding general category candidates entirely, which violates the equality principle. [

#ReservationLaw #SinglePostReservation #IndianConstitution
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