The Uttar Pradesh government has tightened character verification rules for candidates selected through direct recruitment to government jobs, amid a controversy over calls for “regime change” during a recent protest. The move by the Yogi Adityanath-led government has drawn sharp criticism from Opposition parties, including the Samajwadi Party and the Congress. The new rules could make candidates who advocate violent regime change ineligible for government employment.
The government order states that individuals found to have participated in violent activities aimed at bringing about “regime change” may be deemed ineligible for government employment.
The revised guidelines were issued by M Devaraj, Principal Secretary of the Appointment and Personnel Department, in accordance with directions issued by the Allahabad High Court.
However, the government has clarified that candidates cannot be disqualified solely because of their political beliefs. The registration of an FIR or a pending investigation against an applicant will also not, by itself, constitute grounds for disqualification.
The rules will cover candidates recruited through direct selection across various state government departments, corporations, councils and local bodies.
Criteria for disqualification over violent regime-change activities
Under the government order, individuals affiliated with organisations that seek to alter the existing system through violent means will be deemed ineligible for government appointments.
The guidelines further specify that involvement in such activities within the three years preceding character verification, provided the individual was at least 21 years old at the time, may be considered an indication of continued association with such activities.
However, this assessment may be revised if there is concrete evidence demonstrating a positive change in the individual’s conduct during the intervening period.
The order also clarifies that political beliefs or ideological affiliations alone cannot serve as grounds for denying a candidate government employment.
FIR registration alone not grounds for disqualification
Under the revised guidelines, the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) or an ongoing investigation will not, by itself, disqualify a candidate from government employment.
The rules also provide that acquittals, cases settled through compromise and matters dealt with under juvenile justice law will not automatically lead to disqualification.
Authorities may issue a provisional appointment letter even if character verification is still pending, provided the candidate submits a self-declaration and the required documents. However, if subsequent verification establishes that the candidate is ineligible or has provided false information, the appointment will be cancelled immediately, and legal proceedings may be initiated.
No fresh verification for existing government employees
Individuals already employed in government service will be exempt from undergoing character verification again under the new policy. However, appointing authorities may obtain relevant records or information from their previous departments, wherever necessary.
The provision seeks to streamline recruitment by preventing pending verification procedures from automatically delaying appointments.
District police and the Local Intelligence Unit (LIU) must submit character verification reports to the concerned appointing authority within 30 days of receiving a request. The Home Department will oversee delays in the submission of these reports.
Opposition slams order, calls it reminiscent of British rule
The Samajwadi Party (SP) criticised the Yogi Adityanath government’s order, drawing parallels with restrictions imposed during British colonial rule.
SP spokesperson Udayveer said that while such directives were common under British rule, the right to protest is constitutionally protected in independent India. He added that changes in government take place through established democratic processes, particularly elections, in which everyone has the right to participate. Udayveer accused the state government of adopting an intimidating approach, reflected in what he described as measures reminiscent of the colonial era, NDTV reported.
Congress leader Rashid Alvi also termed the order excessive, questioning the government’s authority to make such determinations when courts are responsible for adjudicating legal matters. He alleged that the move reflected the Yogi Adityanath government’s apprehension over protests led by Generation Z (Gen Z)
