RAZIA Vs. UNIVERSITY OF KERALA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The unsuccessful petitioner, who challenged the appointment of the 4th respondent to the post of Assistant Director in the Department of Physical Education in the University of Kerala on deputation basis, pursuant to Ext.P1 notification is the appellant. The appellant as well as the 4th respondent were interviewed on 14/12/2017 by the Selection Committee. The 4th respondent was selected on the basis of obtaining 1.9 marks more than the writ petitioner. The marks given under the various heads to the seven candidates who participated in the selection process are extracted below:-

(2.) The petitioner questions the selection on the specific allegation that the academic qualification and experience of the petitioner was ignored while selecting the 4th respondent and in spite of giving 13 marks more in the interview to the 4 th respondent, there is a difference of only 1.9 marks more to the 4 th respondent which led to her selection. The excessive award of marks in the interview according to the petitioner is a highly arbitrary action. The prescription with regard to the research publication, paper presentation, academic experience, which ought to have been the main criteria for the selection going by the norms of the University Grants Commission (UGC) were all overlooked in the selection process.

(3.) The University contended that the Selection Committee was constituted as per the UGC guidelines and the marks were also awarded as per the same, and therefore, there is no illegality in the selection and thus prayed for dismissal of the writ petition.