High Court Directs Panjab University To Conduct Interview Of Candidate Who Was Rejected For Asst Professor Post Despite Clearing NET Twice

The Punjab & Haryana High Court on Wednesday, directed Panjab University to allow a candidate to appear in the interview provisionally, scheduled for selection of Assistant Professor for History.

It was stated that the candidate was not called for the interview despite meeting the eligibility criteria and clearing the NET exam twice.

Justice Sanjay Vashishth said, "taking note of all the facts and circumstances which have been submitted before this Court, it is directed that name of the petitioner be considered as having been included in the list already published, by the College (respondent No.3) or the Panjab University (Respondent No.5) for the purpose of starting the process o interview. However, concerned respondent would be at liberty to publish a separate/afresh list before starting of the interview, by including the name of petitioner, provisionally."

The Court was hearing a writ petition filed by a candidate seeking directions against Sri Guru Gobind Singh College, Panjab University to allow her to appear in the interview for the regular post of Assistant Professor (History).

It was contended that being qualified, the petitioner applied for the post of Assistant Professor (History subject), but to date, she had not received any interview call letter, though, the process of the interview had to start from 11.01.2024.

The petitioner argued that she was twice UGC - NET qualified and holds an M.Phil Degree and PhD Degree (yet to be awarded) from JNU New Delhi along with more than 7 years of teaching experience in History subject, out of which more than three years were with the Respondent College.

Further, it was argued that the petitioner has more than 14 publications, 3 published books to her name and has attended more than 50 different seminars (Annexure P- 5). Therefore, it is the genuine belief of the petitioner there ought not to have been any issue regarding her eligibility for the post of direct recruitment as Assistant Professor, it was argued.

The counsel appearing on behalf of Panjab University informed the Court that a Committee of about 5 members was constituted to examine the eligibility of the petitioner for the advertised post and after making lot of deliberations, it concluded that the petitioner was not eligible for consideration for the post of Assistant Professor, History which has been advertised by the college.

Considering the submissions, the Court directed the respondents to allow her to to join the process of interview and said any such interview would be considered as a provisional interview which would be subject to the final decision of the present plea.

The Court further directed that in case, the petitioner is found suitable for the post, the result be produced in a sealed cover before the bench on the next date of hearing.

The matter is deferred to February 09, for further consideration. 

Appearance: Vivek Sheoran, Advocate for the Petitioners.

Gagneshwar Walia, Advocate for respondents No.3 & 4 - caveators.

Click here to read/download the order.