Gurpal Singh vs State Of Punjab & Ors

The Supreme Court held that the appointment of the appellant as Auction Recorder was invalid due to his prior conviction under Section 61(1)(a) of the Punjab Excise Act, 1974, which the High Court deemed as disqualifying. The Court emphasized that the appointment must adhere to the rules and that the conviction, despite not involving moral turpitude, rendered the appointment unlawful. Consequently, the Supreme Court upheld the High Court's decision to set aside the appointment and directed the Punjab Mandi Board to initiate a fresh selection process.