YOGENDER PAL SINGH & OTHERS vs UNION OF INDIA & ORS.

The Supreme Court examined the constitutional validity of Rule 12.14(3) of the Punjab Police Rules, 1934, which granted preference in recruitment to sons and relatives of police personnel, in light of Articles 14(1) and 16(2) of the Constitution of India. The Court held that the Delhi Police (Appointment and Recruitment) Rules, 1980, which repealed the earlier Punjab Police Rules, did not permit such preferential treatment, thereby establishing that recruitment must adhere to principles of equality and non-discrimination. The Court ruled that the relaxation of qualifications for certain candidates was invalid, upholding the new recruitment rules.