“At the altar of selection, it is not personal identity but only merit that must be recognised,” says Justice Vikram Nath.
First-ever official visit to the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission campus by a sitting Supreme Court judge.
Judiciary and recruitment institutions share the same soul, with public trust as their core principle: UPPSC Chairman Sanjay Sreenet.
Prayagraj, Oct 2026 : An unforgettable and prestigious chapter has been added to the history of the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC), with the visit of Supreme Court Justice Vikram Nath to its campus. It was the first time in the commission’s history that a sitting judge of the country’s highest court officially visited the premises.
During the historic visit, Justice Vikram Nath inaugurated the newly constructed Aditya Patanjali Yogpeetham and unveiled a giant statue of Swami Vivekananda installed there.
Developed as a centre for yoga and spiritual inspiration, the site features depictions of various postures of Surya Namaskar. It also showcases the distinguished contributions of India’s Nobel laureates, with the aim of inspiring young people and highlighting the country’s intellectual achievements.
In Courts, Evidence Matters; in Recruitment, Only Merit Counts: Justice Vikram Nath
In his address as the chief guest, Justice Vikram Nath shared his memories and association with the commission. He praised the architectural design of the Kalpavriksha Museum, the artistic quality of its exhibits, the commission’s green campus and its transparent selection system.
He observed that Articles 315 to 323 of the Indian Constitution provide a comprehensive and robust framework to ensure that public service commissions discharge their responsibilities impartially.
“Influence or power does not speak in a court of law; evidence and reason do. Similarly, in recruitment, favour or personal connections do not matter; only merit counts. It is an incontrovertible truth that, whether at the seat of justice or at the altar of selection, it is not an individual’s personal identity but only the voice of merit that must be recognised,” he said.
Justice Nath added that public service commissions do not merely conduct examinations; they select outstanding civil servants who can contribute to the country’s future.
He noted that the decisions taken by each administrator selected by the commission could have far-reaching consequences. Therefore, every selection represents more than the appointment of an individual; it lays the foundation for good governance in the decades ahead.
He emphasised that being impartial was important, but it was equally essential for impartiality to be visibly demonstrated. He expressed satisfaction that the UPPSC was fulfilling its constitutional responsibilities and establishing an exemplary standard across the country.
Judiciary and Selection Institutions United by Public Trust
Welcoming the chief guest, UPPSC Chairman Sanjay Sreenet spoke about the relationship between the judiciary and recruitment institutions.
“Although the jurisdictions of the judiciary and selection institutions are different, our constitutional and legal spirit is the same—and the fundamental principle of both is public trust. While courts provide citizens with the legal assurance of justice, selection institutions provide them with the constitutional assurance of equal opportunity,” he said.
A Meeting of Self-Reflection and Cultural Heritage
During the visit, Justice Nath toured several important locations on the commission’s campus.
Bodhi Sangam: He inspected this specially developed space intended to inspire candidates and encourage self-reflection before they embark on their professional journeys in public service.
Kalpavriksha Museum: He visited the historic building, which dates back to its use as a British-era club in 1868. It subsequently served as a storehouse for the commission and has now been transformed into a centre celebrating cultural heritage and positive energy. The museum was earlier inaugurated by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.
Haldighati Shaurya Sthal: He visited the memorial featuring a replica of the Dandi March, statues of freedom fighters and the national emblem, the Ashoka Pillar. He also interacted with officers and employees at the site.
New Facilities and Recognition for Outstanding Service
Justice Nath inaugurated 12 newly constructed residential units at Vrindavan Officers’ Housing and released the commission’s official calendar.
Several officers and employees were also honoured with certificates of appreciation for their outstanding service. The recipients included Omkarnath Singh, Deputy Secretary; Prem Chandra Maurya and Phool Chandra, senior attendants; Shrinath, Private Secretary; Prakash Chandra Singh, Dinesh Pratap Pandey and Ramesh Kumar Bharti, Section Officers; and Virendra Singh, Review Officer.
During the programme, UPPSC member Major General (Dr.) Manoj Kumar delivered a detailed presentation on the commission’s modern working methods and transparent procedures. Commission member Dr A.K. Verma delivered the vote of thanks.
Former Supreme Court judge Ashok Bhushan attended the event, along with High Court judges Rahul Chaturvedi, Ajit Singh, Rajiv Lochan Mehrotra and other members of the judiciary.
Senior High Court advocates, the Additional Government Advocate, UPPSC members, the Police Commissioner, the District Magistrate, other senior district officials and a large number of commission officers and employees were also present.
