Court Quashes College's Decision to Re-interview Candidates, Validates Initial Selection Process
In a landmark decision, the Kerala High Court, led by Justice Harisankar V. Menon, ruled in favor of including guest lecturer experience as valid for the direct recruitment of Assistant Professors, specifically in the case concerning the selection process at All Saints' College, Thiruvananthapuram. The judgment was pronounced on 26 February 2026, addressing three writ petitions filed by Jovita James and others against the University of Kerala and its management.
The petitions challenged the selection and appointment process for the post of Assistant Professor (English), alleging irregularities in the awarding of marks for academic publications and teaching experience. Petitioners argued that certain respondents were wrongly awarded marks for publications in non-peer-reviewed journals and co-authored articles, which led to their unwarranted inclusion for interviews.
The court observed that the University Grants Commission (UGC) Regulations, 2018, specifically Regulation 4.1, permits the consideration of guest lecturer experience for direct recruitment, distinguishing it from the Career Advancement Scheme (CAS) where such experience is excluded. The court emphasized that the exclusion under Regulation 10.0(e) applies only to CAS-related appointments, not direct recruitment.
Justice Menon further clarified that teaching experience should be calculated based on the active teaching periods, excluding times when the college was closed. This interpretation aligns with the UGC's Table 3B, which requires proportionate marks for teaching experience of less than one year.
The court quashed the college's decision to conduct a fresh interview, ordering the reinstatement of the original selection process. It directed the respondents to approve the petitioner's appointment and ensure timely disbursement of salary within twelve weeks.
This ruling underscores the importance of adhering to UGC guidelines in academic recruitment, ensuring fairness and consistency in the selection of qualified candidates.
Bottom Line:
Recruitment and selection process for Assistant Professor - Teaching experience as Guest Lecturer and entitlement of marks under UGC Regulations considered - Held, experience as Guest Lecturer is valid for direct recruitment under UGC Regulation 4.1, but proportionate marks must be awarded as per Table 3B of UGC Regulations.
Statutory provision(s): University Grants Commission (Minimum Qualifications for Appointment of Teachers and other Academic Staff in University and Colleges and other Measures for Maintenance of Standards in Higher Education) Regulations, 2018 - Regulation 4.1, Regulation 10.0, Table 3B
Jovita James v. University of Kerala, (Kerala) : Law Finder Doc id # 2863944
