Delhi High Court Quashes NHAI's Recruitment Criteria Based on CLAT (PG) Scores
The court finds the selection process arbitrary and violative of Articles 14 and 16 of the Constitution of India.
In a significant ruling, the Delhi High Court has invalidated the National Highways Authority of India's (NHAI) recruitment criteria for the engagement of Young Professionals (Legal) based solely on CLAT (PG) scores from 2022 onwards. The judgment, delivered by Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, deemed the criteria arbitrary and lacking a rational nexus with the object of public employment, thereby infringing Articles 14 and 16 of the Constitution.
The decision came after Shannu Baghel, an advocate practicing in the court, challenged the NHAI's notification dated August 11, 2025. The notification prescribed CLAT (PG) scores as the sole basis for recruitment, which Baghel argued was discriminatory and excluded other equally or more meritorious law graduates.
During the proceedings, the NHAI defended its decision by emphasizing the credibility of CLAT (PG) as a national standardized test assessing legal aptitude. However, the court highlighted that CLAT (PG) is primarily designed to evaluate suitability for higher studies, not employability.
The bench underscored that public employment selection criteria must have a rational connection to the intended purpose. They noted that while CLAT (PG) evaluates candidates for postgraduate courses, it does not adequately assess employability skills necessary for public service roles. Consequently, the court found the criteria lacked logical nexus with the employment objectives and was thus arbitrary.
The judgment emphasized that recruitment criteria should not only be transparent and merit-based but also relevant and rationally connected to the skills required for the job. The lack of a benchmark score further contributed to the arbitrary nature of the criteria, where candidates with zero marks were eligible, but those not appearing for the exam were deemed ineligible.
The court also pointed out that while several organizations, including public sector undertakings, use CLAT (PG) scores for recruitment, this practice doesn't justify its adoption by NHAI, especially when other reputable universities offer postgraduate law courses using different admission criteria.
As a result, the Delhi High Court quashed the notification, declaring the recruitment criteria legally untenable. The judgment is expected to have broader implications for recruitment processes across public sector organizations, reinforcing the necessity for fair and rational criteria that align with constitutional provisions.
Bottom Line:
Recruitment criteria solely based on CLAT (PG) score for public employment lacks rational nexus with the object sought to be achieved and violates Articles 14 and 16 of the Constitution of India.
Statutory provision(s): Articles 14, 16 of the Constitution of India
Shannu Baghel v. Union of India, (Delhi)(DB) : Law Finder Doc id # 2783121
