The Punjab and Haryana High Court has quashed the recruitment process for assistant professor (English) in Haryana government colleges, directing a fresh selection in accordance with University Grants Commission (UGC) norms. The decision came on a petition challenging the advertisement issued by the Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC) in 2022.
Court's Observations
The bench of Justice Jagmohan Bansal and Justice Deepak Manchanda observed that the recruitment was conducted without following the prescribed UGC guidelines. The court noted that the eligibility criteria set by the HPSC deviated from the UGC regulations, which are mandatory for higher education appointments. The judges emphasized that any recruitment process must adhere to the standards laid down by the UGC to ensure quality in teaching.
Petitioner's Arguments
The petitioner, a candidate who applied for the post, argued that the HPSC had altered the minimum qualifications required for the position. According to UGC norms, candidates must have a PhD or equivalent qualification, but the HPSC had relaxed this requirement without proper justification. The petitioner contended that this deviation compromised the selection process and violated the rights of eligible candidates.
HPSC's Response
The HPSC defended its actions, stating that the relaxation was made in public interest to fill vacancies quickly. However, the court found no merit in this argument, stating that short-term expediency cannot override long-term academic standards. The court also noted that the Haryana government had not obtained any exemption from the UGC for such deviations.
Impact of the Verdict
The quashing of the recruitment process means that all appointments made under this advertisement stand annulled. The HPSC has been directed to initiate a fresh selection process within three months, strictly adhering to UGC norms. This decision is expected to affect hundreds of candidates who were selected or were in the process of being selected for assistant professor posts in English across Haryana's government colleges.
Reactions from Stakeholders
While candidates who were selected expressed disappointment, many academicians welcomed the verdict, calling it a victory for merit and transparency. The Haryana government has not yet announced whether it will appeal the decision in a higher court. Meanwhile, the HPSC is likely to face logistical challenges in conducting a fresh recruitment drive within the stipulated timeline.
Broader Implications
Legal experts believe this judgment could set a precedent for other recruitment cases in the state where UGC norms have been diluted. The court's strict stance reinforces the importance of maintaining academic standards in public universities and colleges. It also serves as a reminder to state public service commissions to align their recruitment rules with central regulatory frameworks.
