Srinagar, March 19 -- The Court was hearing a petition filed by one T. Arif, stating that he came to be engaged on consolidated work on the recommendation of then Minister for PHE, Irrigation, Flood Control and Tourism of the erstwhile State of J&K on 12 April 2008. He was disengaged a few months later. However, the order of disengagement was rescinded in 2010 and fresh order of his disengagement from services was issued on 1-06-2022. In his plea, Arif had sought regularization of his services even as he stated that he had received his wages.

In its response to Arif's plea, the government said that public employment is a national wealth and all eligible candidates have a right of consideration for being selected/appointed. An equal oppor...