Chandigarh: The Punjab government has told the Punjab and Haryana High Court that it has paused the recruitment process for excise and taxation inspectors. The decision will remain in place until the court hears the case further.

The statement came during the hearing of a petition linked to the recruitment. The government’s counsel informed the court that officials would not take any further steps in the selection process for now. The court recorded the statement and fixed the matter for the next hearing.

The recruitment drive aims to fill inspector posts in the Excise and Taxation Department. Thousands of candidates applied for these government jobs and have been waiting for the process to move forward.

Recruitment paused, not cancelled

The government clarified that it has only paused the recruitment. It has not cancelled the vacancies or withdrawn the recruitment notice.

Officials said they decided to wait because the matter is before the High Court. They want to avoid complications before the court gives its decision.

The petition challenges parts of the recruitment process. The court has not yet ruled on the issues raised by the petitioners. Until then, the government will not make any appointments.

Why the government took this step

Legal experts say government departments often pause recruitment when courts hear disputes. This approach helps prevent legal and administrative problems later.

If authorities complete appointments before the court gives its verdict, they may have to reverse those decisions later. That can affect both selected candidates and the department. By keeping the recruitment on hold, the government hopes to avoid such problems.

Candidates face a longer wait

The latest development means candidates will have to wait longer for the recruitment process to continue. Many applicants have already spent months preparing for the examination and other stages of selection.

The Excise and Taxation Department plays an important role in collecting state revenue. It also checks tax evasion and enforces excise laws. Because of these responsibilities, inspector posts attract a large number of applicants every year.

The state has launched several recruitment drives in recent years to fill vacant government posts. Some of these recruitment exercises have also reached the courts after candidates raised objections over eligibility rules, reservation policies or selection procedures.

What happens next

The High Court did not comment on the merits of the case during the latest hearing. It only took note of the government’s statement that the recruitment will remain on hold.

The case will come up for hearing again on a later date. The court’s decision will determine when the recruitment resumes and whether the government needs to make any changes to the selection process.

Until then, candidates will have to wait for further directions from the Punjab government and the High Court.