SONALIKA BHARGAVA Vs. GOVT OF NCT OF DELHI

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Present Petition has been filed by the Petitioner seeking directions to the Respondents to continue the services of the Petitioner in the post of Legal Consultant (Law) till regular appointment against the post as well as for directions to Respondent No. 3 not to initiate the fresh process for appointment of Legal Consultant on contractual basis by replacing the Petitioner with another contractual employee.

(2.) The factual narrative required for deciding the petition is in a narrow compass. Petitioner was a practicing Advocate and was empanelled with Delhi Legal Services Authority (DLSA) in the year 2015 as a panel Advocate (Civil). In August 2018, Respondent No. 3 issued an Advertisement for appointment of one Legal Consultant (Law) in consultation with DLSA (Central). Pursuant to the Advertisement, in September, 2018 the name of the Petitioner was forwarded by DLSA to Respondent No. 3, along with a few other advocates.

(3.) Interview was conducted on 04.09.2018 by the Selection Committee comprising of District Magistrate (Central), Additional District Magistrate (Central) and Sub-Divisional Magistrate (HQ). Being successful in the interview, Petitioner was selected and offer letter was issued on 12.09.2018 appointing her as Legal Consultant (Law) on contract basis, subject to her acceptance.