A policy change must be made fairly and with due regard to affected candidates

The Government notification was silent on the relevant classes. The University prospectus had expressly limited the years considered. The authority changed its interpretation during the admission process. Candidates were asked to provide additional documents at short notice. The change affected relative merit under the sports quota. Public power must be exercised in a fair manner. A policy interpretation cannot ignore the consequences for applicants. The Court held the 2024 process was vitiated. Divjot Sekhon v. State of Punjab and Others | 2026 INSC 26