A post-deadline change can prejudice candidates who relied on published rules

The original criterion limited sports achievements to Classes XI and XII. Candidates applied on that stated basis. The later email invited achievements from any year or class. This could improve the positions of candidates with earlier achievements. Other candidates had no equivalent notice when preparing their applications. A late change affects the competitive basis of admissions. The Court found the process vitiated by unfairness. The authority’s action had to be assessed for its impact on all candidates. Divjot Sekhon v. State of Punjab and Others | 2026 INSC 26