Why? Because 3 petitions say it’s unfair to lakhs of job aspirants waiting years for a fair chance. One petitioner? A candidate who’s been grinding for exams, not connections. The court’s not blocking compensation; just asking: if we give jobs without exams, where does it stop? What about victims of floods, fires, or other tragedies? The deeper issue? In a country where jobs are scarce and competition is brutal, ‘merit’ vs ‘sympathy’ isn’t just emotional; it’s political. The state has till July 24 to reply. And the court’s deadline? Before the first salary is drawn. Sounds small. Feels huge.