VIJAYAWADA (Azat TV) – The Andhra Pradesh High Court has issued a sharp rebuke to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) tasked with probing alleged irregularities in the evaluation of Group-1 examination answer sheets. Expressing deep dissatisfaction over the lack of progress, the division bench of Justice Battu Devanand and Justice Hari Hara Nath Sharma has demanded a formal explanation regarding the ongoing delays, a move that underscores mounting pressure on the state’s primary recruitment body.
Judicial Scrutiny of the Group-1 Investigation
One month after the SIT was formally constituted, the court found the progress insufficient to meet the public interest requirements of the high-stakes recruitment process. During a hearing on Tuesday, the bench directed SIT chief Director General Ravishankar Ayyanar to appear virtually to account for the gridlock. The investigation, which centers on potential discrepancies in how candidate answer sheets were evaluated, has become a focal point for thousands of aspirants awaiting clarity on their future.
Procedural Hurdles and Forensic Limitations
In response to the judicial inquiry, the SIT requested an additional five months to conclude its findings. Representatives for the team cited significant logistical hurdles, specifically the labor-intensive process of converting digital answer sheets into physical copies for verification—a task they estimate takes significant time given the volume of records. Furthermore, the SIT noted that limited resources at the CFSL Hyderabad facility have necessitated coordination with the Chandigarh forensic unit, further complicating the timeline.
Court Challenges Methodology
The High Court bench has challenged the necessity of the SIT’s current methodology. Questioning the need to examine every individual answer sheet, the judges suggested that the team adopt sampling methods to expedite the verification process. The court also sought immediate clarity regarding the chain of custody and transfer orders for the documents, noting that the ongoing uncertainty risks eroding the credibility of the Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) and the integrity of the selection process itself. The matter is scheduled for further review on March 30, by which time the SIT must file an affidavit outlining a concrete timeline for completion.
The court’s intervention highlights a critical intersection between administrative accountability and the rights of candidates, as the delays threaten to undermine institutional trust in the state’s recruitment mechanisms.