Merit - Definition - Law Dictionary Home Dictionary Definition merit

Definition :

Merit, 'Merit' consists of a high degree of intelligence coupled with a keen and incisive mind, sound knowledge of the basic subjects and infinite capacity for hard work and also calls for a sense of social commitment and dedication to the cause of the poor, Dr. Pradeep Jain v. Union of India, AIR 1984 SC 1420 (1431): (1984) 3 SCC 654: (1984) 3 SCR 942.

No doubt the term 'merit' is not capable of an easy definition, but it can be safely said that merit is a sum total of various qualities and attributes of an employee such as his academic qualifications, his distinction in the University, his character, integrity, devotion to duty and the manner in which he discharges his official duties. Allied to this may be various other matter or factors such as his punctuality in work, quality and outturn of work done by him and the manner of his dealings with his superiors and subordinate officers and the general public and his rank in the service and annual confidential report. All these and other factors may have to be taken into account in assessing the merit, Guman Singh v. State of Rajasthan, (1971) 2 SCC 452: (1971) Supp SCR 900. (Rajasthan Administrative Service Rules, 1954, R. 28B)