The Punjab and Haryana High Court has put a hold on the appointment process for 454 Pharmacist (Pharmacy Officer) positions in Punjab. This decision follows a petition that challenges the recruitment process organised by Baba Farid University of Health Sciences (BFUHS).

This order was issued on August 10, indicating that the hiring activities associated with the university’s advertisement from June 11 have now been suspended. The court has stated that the recruitment process will remain on hold until the next scheduled hearing on September 17, 2026.

The case was presided over by Justice Sandeep Moudgil. During the hearing, lawyers representing the respondents informed the court that the recruitment had already been halted in light of the ongoing legal proceedings.

Allegations of Examination Irregularities

BJP MP Sambit Patra has suggested that the recruitment examination was marred by allegations of a paper leak. Patra accused the Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab government of initially downplaying these claims as mere irregularities.

“Patra noted, “A few hours ago, the Punjab and Haryana High Court issued a significant decision. Last month, examinations for the pharmacy officer recruitment, which were conducted in July 2026 by BFUHS, were alleged to have involved a leak.” He expressed concern over the government’s initial stance on the issue.

According to Patra, the government took steps to suspend those allegedly involved in misconduct but failed to halt the examination process or conduct a fresh test. “They have claimed these were simply irregularities and that those responsible had been suspended, yet the examination continued,” he said.

Court’s Directives and Upcoming Hearing

The High Court’s ruling explicitly states that appointments for the 454 positions cannot proceed during the review of the ongoing petition. It has allowed the State and other related parties to provide their responses while mandating that any replies be submitted at least one week in advance of the next hearing.

This interim order will continue to be effective until the judiciary reconvenes on September 17. The court’s decision reflects ongoing concerns about the transparency and integrity of the recruitment process.

Patra also claimed that Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had consistently denied the occurrence of a paper leak. “This demonstrates that both the Congress party and the Aam Aadmi Party possess double standards,” he remarked, emphasising the need for accountability in governance.

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