Quick Summary: A group of ex-servicemen, led by Gaurav Verma, challenged the Airport Authority of India (AAI) because they were not considered for open positions due to age relaxation rules. The Delhi High Court, led by Judge Sanjeev Narula, rejected their request on February 17, 2026.
In February 2025, the AAI announced job openings for Non-Executive Cadres in the Northern Region. The recruitment included a special reservation for ex-servicemen. Document checks were scheduled for July 9-10, 2025. The ex-servicemen argued they should be considered for open positions because they scored higher than the minimum score needed for those positions.
Gaurav Verma and the other ex-servicemen claimed: - They scored higher than the last candidate in the open category. - They should be allowed to move to the open category. - Age relaxation should not prevent them from being considered for open positions.
They referred to past court decisions, arguing that age relaxation is just a way to help, not a barrier.
"Relaxation is an aid, not a bar."
The AAI and its representatives argued: - The ex-servicemen needed the age relaxation to qualify. - Open positions require meeting all requirements without any relaxation. - The ex-servicemen were already older than the age limit for open positions (30 years).
They referred to government guidelines and AAI policies, emphasizing that age relaxation limits them to the ex-servicemen category.
Judge Sanjeev Narula looked at: - The difference between the two types of reservations. - The rules governing the recruitment process. - The government’s stance that age relaxation disqualifies candidates from open positions.
The court found nothing wrong with the AAI’s decision and agreed with the policy that age relaxation keeps candidates in their reserved category.
The court rejected the petition, confirming that: - The ex-servicemen reservation is separate from open positions. - Using age relaxation means the petitioners stay in the ex-servicemen category.
"The writ petition is, therefore, dismissed."
This judgment supports the structured approach to reservations and clarifies what happens when candidates use age relaxation in job applications.
