RAJKUMAR R. Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The case put forth by the petitioners is that, the fixation of Rs. 12,000/- per month as stipend for Research Fellowship of Ph.D Research Scholars in Humanities is unconstitutional, and they are entitled to get an amount of Rs. 25,000/- as is given to the Lecturers in Science who are having National Eligibility Test (NET) qualification. Brief material facts for the disposal of the writ petition are as follows:

(2.) Petitioners are Research Scholars in the Department of Humanities under the Indian Institute of Science and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, the 2nd respondent herein. As per Exts. P4 and P5 Rules and Regulations for Ph.D. issued by the 2nd respondent, a monthly fellowship of Rs. 12,000/- was fixed for Lecturers with NET qualification in both Science and Humanities. However, as per Ext. P12 Ph.D. Rules and Regulations issued by the 2nd respondent dated 26.10.2017, an unreasonable classification is made, by which, Rs. 25,000/- is given as fellowship to Ph.D. Research Scholars in Science on and with effect from 21.10.2014, whereas the petitioners who are having the similar qualification of NET are provided only with an amount of Rs. 12,000/- per month, subject to certain riders. Therefore, according to the petitioners, the classification so done in Ext. P12 is unconstitutional, being an unreasonable classification.

(3.) I have heard learned counsel for the petitioners and the learned counsel representing the ASGI, and perused the pleadings and the documents on record. Even though notice is served on the 2nd respondent, there is no appearance.