The Uttar Pradesh government has updated its character verification guidelines for direct recruitment across state departments, local bodies, and public corporations.
Issued by Principal Secretary M Devaraj under directives from the Allahabad High Court, the new rules bar individuals affiliated with organisations advocating violent regime change.
Under the norms, involvement in violent activities within three years before verification—after turning 21—serves as evidence of active involvement. However, candidates showing concrete positive behavioural changes may be reconsidered.
The government clarified that political ideology alone will not cause disqualification. Furthermore, the mere registration of an FIR, ongoing investigations, or resolved juvenile matters will not automatically bar candidates.
Provisional appointments can now proceed using self-declarations while verification is completed within a mandatory 30-day timeline by local intelligence and police.
The Opposition launched strong criticism against the move. Samajwadi Party spokesperson Udayveer termed the order reminiscent of the British colonial era, stressing that protests are a constitutional right.
Congress leader Rashid Alvi echoed this sentiment, questioning the government’s authority to act as a judge.
