Prayagraj: “In court, influence or power does not speak; evidence and reason do. Similarly, in recruitment, it is not favour or identity, but merit that must prevail,” said Justice Vikram Nath of Supreme Court while addressing officials and employees of Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) during his visit to the commission’s campus on Monday.Justice Nath, who was at the commission to inaugurate the newly constructed Aditya Patanjali Yogpeetham and unveil a statue of Swami Vivekananda, said the principle of impartiality was common to the judiciary and constitutional recruitment bodies, adding that it was not enough for an institution to be impartial — its impartiality must also be visible. He praised UPPSC for discharging its constitutional responsibilities and emerging as a model of transparent selection.The Yogpeetham has been developed as a centre combining yoga and spiritual inspiration, with depictions of different Surya Namaskar postures. Contributions of Indian Nobel laureates have also been displayed at the site to inspire young people and highlight the country’s intellectual achievements.Justice Nath said Articles 315 to 323 of the Constitution provided a strong framework to enable Public Service Commissions to function independently and fairly. He said the commission’s role went far beyond conducting examinations, as the administrators it selected would influence governance for decades. “A selection is not merely the appointment of an individual, but the sowing of the seeds of good governance for the coming decades,” he said.UPPSC chairman Sanjay Sreenet, while welcoming Justice Nath, underlined the importance of public trust in both the judiciary and recruitment institutions. He said that although the jurisdictions of the two institutions were different, their “legal spirit” was the same — public trust. While courts provide citizens the legal assurance of justice, selection bodies provide the constitutional assurance of equal opportunity, he said.During his visit, Justice Nath also inspected Bodhi Sangam, developed as a reflective space for aspirants and Kalpavriksha Museum. The museum traces the transformation of the building from a British-era club in 1868 to a commission storehouse and subsequently a centre of cultural heritage. He also visited Haldighati Shaurya Sthal, featuring a replica of Dandi March, statues of freedom fighters and the Ashoka emblem.Justice Nath inaugurated 12 newly constructed residential units at Vrindavan Officers Awas and released the commission’s official calendar. He also felicitated eight officials and employees for distinguished service.Commission member Major General (retd) Manoj Kumar made a presentation on UPPSC’s modern working systems and transparent procedures. Justice (retd) of the Supreme Court, Ashok Bhushan, Allahabad High Court judges and senior officials were among those present at the event.
