GEETA MAHADEVAN Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Respondents issued advertisement dated 20/4/1995 inviting applications for two posts of Scientist-B presenting the following essential qualifications to be possessed by the candidates:-- (i) First Class (with not less than 65% marks) M.Sc. in Chemistry with Associateship in Information Science or M.Phil/Ph.D. in Science Communication with basic Master '3 degree in Chemistry. (ii) Two years of experience in editing of scientific and technical literature. (iii) Candidate should be able to work with computers using word processing and editing softwares.

(2.) It also provided that candidates would be short-listed by a duly constituted Screening Committee and that their applications complete in all respects received latest by 8/6/1995.

(3.) Petitioner, a Senior Technical Assistant, working with R-3 responded to this and applied for the post also allegedly informing respondents that she was shortly to complete K.Phil. in Science Communication which would make her eligible for the post. It seems that she qualified the requisite M.Phil meanwhile but after the last date fixed for receipt of applications and Screening Committee invited her for written test and interview held on 17/10/1995. She was selected and offered the post and appointed by order dated 8/11/1995 from 3/11/1995. She was then put on probation which she cleared and she was confirmed from 2/11/1997 by order dated 14/1/1998. She had barely enjoyed her confirmed status when she was asked to show cause why her appointment be not cancelled. She made a representation against this but in vain and her appointment was finally cancelled on the ground that she was erroneously appointed as she did not possess the essential qualifications.