In a recent ruling by the Delhi High Court regarding the selection process for the Education Officer post, a decision was made concerning the weightage given to candidates in the evaluation process. The case involved two Education Officers and their challenge to the selection process. This judgment sets a precedent for future similar cases and brings clarity to the evaluation criteria for such positions.
Facts
- Petitioners challenged the selection process for the post of Education Officer advertised on 17.02.2013.
- The Tribunal partially allowed the OA, directing that two petitioners be considered for appointment under OBC and SC categories.
- Weightage of 85% to marks obtained in written exam and 15% to interview was to be given.
- SAURABH BANERJEE, J (ORAL) formula was applied with respondents’ consent for accommodating two additional candidates.
- The respondent, who is the petitioner’s father-in-law, has objected to the filing of this writ petition by the petitioner.
- He argues that the petitioner has no legal right to challenge the acquisition of the property in question.
- The petitioner’s counsel has countered this argument by stating that the petitioner is directly affected by the acquisition and has the standing to challenge it.
- The respondent argues that the petitioner is not a necessary party in this case and that the petition should be dismissed.
- The court will now consider the arguments presented and make a decision on the admissibility of the petition.
Arguments
- Accommodating further candidates by supernumerary post is not possible at this stage.
Analysis
- The learned Tribunal’s course of action was considered impermissible.
- The submissions of learned counsel for the parties were taken into account.
- After perusing the records, it was determined that the Tribunal’s approach was not acceptable.
- The Court did not express any opinion on the 85% weightage for written examination and 15% for the interview directed by the Tribunal.
- The Tribunal’s decision could have implications on other candidates in the selection process.
- If the Tribunal favored the petitioners’ plea for 85% weightage to the written exam, it should have applied this formula to all candidates, not just two.
- Having different procedures for the same test for different candidates is impermissible and against the Constitution’s principles.
Decision
- The two petitioners in W.P.(C) 6047/2020 are Education Officers.
- They are allowed to continue in service until the Tribunal decides the OA again.
- The Tribunal must ensure consistent application of any directed formula for weightage in evaluation.
- The decision of the Tribunal for O.A. No 663/2014 is set aside and revised.
Case Title: DINESH CHAND & ANR. Vs. UNIVERSITY GRANTS COMMISSION & ORS. (2024:DHC:4030-DB)
Case Number: W.P.(C)-6047/2020
