FCC orders publication of govt employees’ seniority lists online

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) has ruled that seniority lists of government employees cannot be kept confidential and must be published on official websites, according to a written judgment issued on Friday.

FCC Judge Justice Hassan Azhar Rizvi issued the detailed ruling, directing all government departments, autonomous bodies and state-run corporations to update and publish seniority lists every January.

The court said that seniority lists must be prepared strictly on the basis of merit and position in recruitment lists, rejecting what it called arbitrary application of the “first come, first served” principle.

“Seniority lists cannot be concealed,” the court observed, adding that access to such information is a constitutional and fundamental right of every citizen and employee.

It further ruled that any illegal clause in an employment contract cannot deprive workers of their lawful rights.

The court directed that copies of the judgment be sent immediately to all provincial chief secretaries for implementation.

It also expressed concern over the failure of the Port Qasim Authority to issue seniority lists even seven years after employees were made permanent.