DR. MRIDUL CHETIA, S/O SRI JONESWAR CHETIA, R/O MILANPUR, P.O. MORANHAT, DIST Vs. THE STATE OF ASSAM AND 4 ORS., REPRESENTED BY THE COMMISSIONER AND SECRETARY TO THE GOVT. OF ASSAM, EDUCATION (HIGHER) DEPARTMENT, DISPUR, GHY

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard Mr. S.K. Talukdar, learned counsel representing the petitioner as well as Mr. M.Mahanta, learned counsel representing respondent nos. 1, 2 and 3. From Office Note dated 11.3.2013 it appears that steps upon respondent nos. 4 and 5 have been duly served, although they are not represented by any counsel.

(2.) In so far as the academic qualification of the petitioner is concerned, he is a Post Graduate in Chemistry having specialisation in Inorganic Chemistry. Added to it, he is also a Ph.D degree holder awarded by the Gauhati University.

(3.) On 29.2.2012 the Principal of D.R. College, Golaghat was instructed by the Director of Higher Education, Assam to make Advertisement in respect of the vacant post of Assistant Professor in Chemistry having UGC norms with NET/SLET/SET qualification and/or having M.Phil Degree obtained on or before 10.7.2009. By the said letter dated 29.2.2012, it was also indicated that those having Ph.D. Degree in accordance with the University Grants Commission (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of Ph.D.Degree) Regulation, 2009, shall be exempted from the requirement of the minimum eligibility conditions of NET/SLET/SET. Pursuant thereto, an Advertisement was issued by respondent no.4 on 14.3.2012, against which the petitioner responded along with five others. The interview was held by the Selection Committee so constituted on 25.4.2012 and the petitioner was ranked first in the said selection on the basis of the selection made by the Committee.