Himachal HC Quashes Sardar Patel University Appointment, Orders Job for Next Candidate in Waiting List
Shimla, Sept 11: The Himachal Pradesh High Court has struck down the appointment of an Assistant Professor (Zoology) at Sardar Patel University, Mandi, citing irregularities in the award of experience and award marks during the selection process.
Justice Sandeep Sharma, delivering the verdict on a petition filed by Rahul Bhardwaj, held that respondent No.2, Dr. Sarita Kumari, was wrongly given 10 marks for teaching experience between 2004 and 2008—when she did not even possess the minimum qualifications for the post—as well as three marks under the “Awards” category.
The court observed that Eternal University, from where Dr. Kumari claimed part of her teaching experience, had itself admitted that no Zoology department or relevant classes existed during the period she claimed to have taught.
“This court expresses its surprise that the University verified such experience certificates despite the denial of records by Eternal University,” Justice Sharma noted.
The petitioner, Rahul Bhardwaj, who was second in the waiting list, had argued that once the illegally granted marks were excluded, Dr. Kumari would not have been shortlisted for the interview at all. The court agreed, pointing out that the selection process was vitiated by these lapses.
Rejecting the respondents’ contention that the final selection was based on interview performance rather than API scores, the judge remarked that “had the candidate not been shortlisted, there was no question of her being recommended by the Selection Committee.”
As a result, the court quashed Dr. Kumari’s appointment and directed the University to offer the post to the next candidate in the waiting list.
The ruling comes as a strong message to state universities to adhere strictly to UGC norms and maintain transparency in faculty recruitment.