https://indianmasterminds.com

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Supreme Court Orders Fresh Medical Test for Civil Services Candidate Discarded in 2014 Due to Obesity

Rakshit Shivam Prakash, who successfully cleared the civil services exam in 2014, was denied employment based on his Body Mass Index (BMI), which was recorded at 31.75
Indian Masterminds Stories

In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court of India has ordered the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to conduct a fresh medical examination for Rakshit Shivam Prakash, a candidate who was declared “temporarily unfit” for civil service in 2014 due to obesity. The decision comes nearly a decade after Prakash was denied a position despite ranking 93rd in the highly competitive civil services examination.

Background of the Case

Rakshit Shivam Prakash, who successfully cleared the civil services exam in 2014, was denied employment based on his Body Mass Index (BMI), which was recorded at 31.75. This figure exceeded the prescribed standard BMI of 30, leading to his classification as “temporarily unfit” for service. The UPSC scheduled a second medical test for July 14, 2015, but Prakash was unable to attend, further complicating his path to becoming a civil servant.

Supreme Court’s Intervention

In an effort to deliver justice, the Supreme Court invoked its special powers under Article 142 of the Indian Constitution. This article allows the court to issue decrees or orders necessary for providing complete justice in any case or matter pending before it. The bench, comprising Justices P S Narasimha and Pankaj Mithal, directed the UPSC and other relevant authorities, including the Department of Personnel and Training, to reschedule the medical examination initially planned for July 2015.

The court’s decision was guided by the unique circumstances of the case, with Justice Narasimha stating, “Having considered the facts and circumstances of the case, we consider it appropriate to grant limited relief. This will be to direct the respondents to reschedule the re-medical test that was to be conducted on July 14, 2015, which the petitioner unfortunately missed.”

Limitations of the Court’s Order

While the Supreme Court granted Prakash the opportunity for a new medical test, it denied his plea for automatic service allocation and the consequential benefits of being treated on par with other candidates from the 2014 batch. The bench clarified that even if Prakash passes the medical re-examination, he will not be eligible for appointment in the 2014 batch or for any seniority benefits associated with it.

In its judgment, the court stated, “At the outset, we reject the prayer made by the petitioner for allocation of service and consequential benefits against Civil Services Examination, 2014. Considering the fact that the original re-medical examination was to happen in 2015 and almost a decade has passed by, we direct that in the event the petitioner qualifies in the medical re-examination, he shall neither claim appointment in the 2014 batch nor will he be entitled to seniority in the batch in which he could be appointed.”

Broader Implications

This decision by the Supreme Court highlights the complexities and challenges faced by candidates in the civil services selection process, especially regarding health and fitness standards. It also underscores the judiciary’s role in ensuring fairness and justice, particularly in cases where procedural or administrative decisions may have led to unintended consequences.

For Rakshit Shivam Prakash, this ruling offers a long-awaited chance to pursue his aspirations in public service, albeit with certain limitations. The case also raises questions about the balance between maintaining health standards and providing equitable opportunities for all candidates in one of India’s most prestigious career paths.

As Prakash prepares for his re-evaluation, the decision serves as a reminder of the evolving standards and expectations within the Indian civil services landscape.


Indian Masterminds Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Related Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
NEWS
_REI-EXPO-2025
Renewable Energy India Expo 2025 Set to Drive Innovation, Partnerships, and Sustainability in India’s Clean Energy Sector
IOB_Strengthens_Vigilance_Awareness_Campaign_
IOB Hosts Walkathon in Chennai to Promote Vigilance and Integrity for Vigilance Awareness Week 2025
BEML_and_VSCB_Member_Organisations_Organise_Walkathon_
BEML Walkathon in Bengaluru Promotes Integrity, Transparency During Vigilance Awareness Week 2025
Sariska Tiger ST-2303
Rising Tiger Presence in Lakhimpur’s Maheshpur Range Sparks Fear Among Villagers, Urging Stronger Forest Department Action
Coal-Production-resized
NCC Ltd Secures ₹6,828.94 Crore Contract with Central Coalfields for Major Coal Extraction Project in Jharkhand
Indore police arrest
MP Administration Shows Swift Action: Man Who Molested Australian Women Cricketers Arrested Within Hours in Indore, CM Yadav Orders Strict Action
ONGC_resized
PESB Calls for Applications for Director (Finance) Position at ONGC; Vacancy to Open on May 1, 2026
IAF MRFA project
India and Brazil Set to Finalize Landmark Defence Barter Deal: Tejas Fighters and Prachand Helicopters for C-390 Aircraft
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
WhatsApp Image 2025-10-23 at 10.40
Everybody Needs To Know What Is Transpiring Behind Closed Doors Of Courts
WhatsApp Image 2025-10-19 at 12.23
UPSC Journey Should Be Enjoyable, Not Cumbersome
WhatsApp Image 2025-10-16 at 15.16
The Many Facets of Former IRS Officer and Author, Giselle Mehta | Video Interview
ADVERTISEMENT
UPSC Stories
IAS Rupal Rana UPSC
How Rupal Rana Cracked UPSC CSE 2023 with AIR 26 After Four Attempts
UPSC Topper Rupal Rana secured AIR 26 in 2023 after four attempts. Learn her preparation strategy, booklist,...
Ankita Parashar RAS 2023
4 Attempts, 1 Dream, 0 Excuses: Meet RAS Topper Ankita Parashar, Who Fulfilled a Daughter’s Promise & Secured Rank 2 | Exclusive Interview
Ankita Parashar, a teacher-turned-officer from Pushkar, fulfilled her late father’s dream by securing...
Kushal Chaudhary RAS
From Lab Assistant’s Grit to Rajasthan Topper: How Kushal Chaudhary Topped RAS 2023 with Self-Study | Preparation, Strategy & Interview
Kushal Chaudhary, a farmer’s son and lab assistant from Ajmer, topped RAS 2023 through self-study, overcoming...
Social Media
IFS Parveen Kaswan
Heartbreak by the River: 15-Day-Old Elephant Calf Rejected by Mother, Rescued by IFS Parveen Kaswan and His Team
Jaldapra, West Bengal: In a moving incident that tugs at the heart, a 15-day-old elephant calf was rescued...
Ashwini Bhide IAS and Anand Mahindra
Who Is IAS Ashwini Bhide, Hailed as a Role Model for Mumbai Metro Transformation by Anand Mahindra?
From heritage to high-tech: Bhide’s leadership in Metro Line 3 earns public praise and admiration
World Rhino Day India
On World Rhino Day, IFS Officer Parveen Kaswan Shares Rare Insights - India Now Hosts 80% of the World’s One-Horned Rhinos
September 22 Marks Global Call for Rhino Conservation; India Holds 80% of World’s Greater One-Horned...
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Latest
_REI-EXPO-2025
Renewable Energy India Expo 2025 Set to Drive Innovation, Partnerships, and Sustainability in India’s Clean Energy Sector
IOB_Strengthens_Vigilance_Awareness_Campaign_
IOB Hosts Walkathon in Chennai to Promote Vigilance and Integrity for Vigilance Awareness Week 2025
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
WhatsApp Image 2025-10-23 at 10.40
WhatsApp Image 2025-10-19 at 12.23
WhatsApp Image 2025-10-16 at 15.16
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT