JAYADEV Vs. STATE OF KERALA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Kerala Agricultural University issued Notification dated 26-6-84 inviting applications for the post of Junior Assistant Professors in Agricultural Botany and other disciplines. Again on 22-10-1956 University issued notification No.GA/E2/13507/ 86 inviting applications from qualified candidates to the post of Junior Assistant Professors in Agricultural Botany and other disciplines. Candidates holding Masters degree in the concerned subjects who applied in pursuance to the earlier notification dated 26-6-84 for the post of Junior Assistant Professors were not required to apply again. Essential qualifications prescribed for the post of Junior Assistant Professor were:-

(2.) The main argument advanced by the learned counsel representing the petitioner is that prior to the decision taken by the Academic Council of the Kerala Agricultural University at its 32nd meeting held on 8-9-83, degree of B.Sc. (Agriculture) issued by all other Agricultural Universities and Traditional Universities in India was a qualification recognised by the Kerala. Agricultural University. On account of this recognition, it is argued, petitioner underwent his studies in Govind Ballabh Pant University and took the degree on the belief that he can get appointment to the various posts in the Kerala Agricultural University. That right of the petitioner has now been denied by derecognising the 3year B.Sc. (Agriculture) degree given by other Agricultural Universities. According to the petitioner, this action on the part of the University is illegal and it has to be set-at-naught.

(3.) A detailed counter affidavit has been filed by the 4th respondent, the Registrar of the Kerala Agricultural University. The contention taken therein is as follows:-