Court Dismisses Petition Challenging Additional Screening and Knowledge Tests Prescribed by Haryana for Assistant Professor Selection
In a significant ruling, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has upheld the recruitment process adopted by the Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC) for the selection of Assistant Professors. The Court dismissed a petition challenging the advertisement and selection criteria which included additional screening and subject knowledge tests beyond the University Grants Commission (UGC) Regulations.
The petitioner, Renu Kumari Rohal, contested the advertisement issued by HPSC for the recruitment of Assistant Professors in Chemistry. The advertisement prescribed a selection process comprising a screening test, a subject knowledge test, and an interview. Rohal argued that this process was contrary to the UGC Regulations, which emphasize interviews based on academic scores and achievements.
Justice Harpreet Singh Brar, who presided over the case, observed that the UGC Regulations set minimum standards and do not restrict states from prescribing additional qualifications. The Court held that the state government is empowered to introduce extra layers of scrutiny, provided the UGC's minimum criteria are not diluted. The ruling emphasized that such measures aim to promote meritocracy and ensure the recruitment of qualified educators.
The Court also noted that candidates who participate in a selection process without raising objections cannot later challenge it after being unsuccessful. This principle of acquiescence was a key factor in the dismissal of Rohal's petition.
Additionally, the Court remarked on the absence of a challenge to the memo adopting UGC Regulations with modifications, which further weakened the petitioner’s case.
In conclusion, the Court's decision reaffirms the state's authority to enhance recruitment standards for educational positions, aligning with public policy objectives and educational excellence. The judgment is now referred to a larger bench to address apparent judicial conflicts on the issue, ensuring clarity and consistency in future rulings.
Bottom line:-
Recruitment process for Assistant Professor - Challenge to advertisement prescribing higher qualifications than UGC Regulations - Held, conducting Screening Test or Subject Knowledge Test does not violate UGC Regulations, provided minimum benchmark is maintained.
Statutory provision(s): Articles 226 and 227 of the Constitution of India, University Grants Commission (Minimum Qualifications for Appointment of Teachers and other Academic Staff in Universities and Colleges and other Measures for the Maintenance of Standards in Higher Education) Regulations, 2018.
Renu Kumari Rohal v. State of Haryana, (Punjab And Haryana) : Law Finder Doc id # 2937985
