MADHAV SINGH MEHRU Vs. STATE OF RAJASTHAN

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioners have challenged the vires of rule for recruitment to the post of Assistant Public Relations Officer. The State of Rajasthan has framed the Rajasthan Public Relations Subordinate Service Rules, 1975 ('Rules', for short). As per Schedule-I to the Rules, the post of Assistant Public Relations Officer is to be filed up 100% by direct recruitment through Rajasthan Staff Selection Board. Column-IV of the Schedule-I prescribes the qualifications for direct recruitment. Relevant portion of the Schedule reads as under:

(2.) As per the Rules, thus, minimum qualification for direct recruitment to the post of Assistant Public Relations Officer is graduate from a recognized university or its equivalent with three years' experience of Journalism in reputed newspaper office or in Public Relations Department of State Government or Government of India; or graduate with diploma/degree in Journalism. Preference would be given to persons having post graduate degree in Hindi and English. The qualifications thus, come in two parts. First part pertains to graduation with three years' experience of Journalism in specified institutions. The second part, which is alternative is graduate with diploma or degree in Journalism. According to the petitioner, the requirement of graduate is unnecessary and should be struck down.

(3.) Counsel for the petitioners vehemently contended that the Rules are framed in the year 1975 when the course of Journalism was not so prevalent. Now when many reputed institutions offer such renowned course in Journalism, the instances of the State authorities to retain graduation as minimum qualification is unreasonable. He pointed out that the principal role of the Assistant Public Relations Officer is to communicate on behalf of the Government with the press. In such role, his education in Journalism would be far more useful than graduation in any subject.