A.Manikandan v. The Principal Secretary To Government
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED : 16.07.2025 CORAM :
THE HONOURABLE MRS. JUSTICE N.MALA Writ Petition No.15315 of 2020 and W.M.P.Nos.19145 to 19148 of 2020 1.A.Manikandan 2.A.S.Puhazhenthi ... Petitioners Vs.
1.The Principal Secretary to Government, Higher Education Department, Secretariat, Chennai - 600 009.
2.The University Grants Commission (UGC), Rep. by its Chairman, Bahadur Shah Zagar Marg, New Delhi - 110 002.
3.The Registrar, Anna University, Sardar Patel Road, Chennai - 600 025.
4.The Director, Recruitment Cell, Anna University, Sardar Patel Road, Chennai - 600 025.
... Respondents Page No.1 of 6
Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India, praying for issuance of Writ of Certiorarified Mandamus calling for the records of the impugned notification bearing No.001/RC/UD-FR/PR10&20/2020-1 dated 30.09.2020 with respect to the portion of 'Minimum Qualification for the post of Assistant University Librarian Grade-I in 'University Library' issued by the third respondent and quash the same and further direct the respondents 3 and 4 to issue Notifications afresh by fixing minimum qualification in terms of the "UGC Regulations on Minimum Qualifications for Appointment of Teachers and Other Academic Staff in Universities and Colleges and Measures for the Maintenance of Standards in Higher Education, 2018. For Petitioners : Mr.R.Bharath Kumar For Respondent 1 : Mr.C.Jayaprakash, Government Advocate For Respondent 2 : M/s.V.Sudha For Respondents 3 & 4 :Mr.Bharanidharan, Standing Counsel
O R D E R
Page No.2 of 6
This writ petition has been filed to call for the records of the impugned notification bearing No.001/RC/UD-FR/PR10&20/2020-1 dated 30.09.2020 with respect to the portion of 'Minimum Qualification for the post of Assistant University Librarian Grade-I in 'University Library' issued by the third respondent and quash the same and further direct the respondents 3 and 4 to issue Notifications afresh by fixing minimum qualification in terms of the "UGC Regulations on Minimum Qualifications for Appointment of Teachers and Other Academic Staff in Universities and Colleges and Measures for the Maintenance of Standards in Higher Education, 2018.
2. Learned counsel for the petitioners would submit that the Petitioners are qualified library professional, holding postgraduate degrees and having cleared the UGC-NET, challenge a notification dated 30.09.2020 issued by Anna University inviting applications for the post of Assistant University Librarian Grade-I. The notification prescribed eligibility criteria, namely, First Class in Bachelor's degree and a mandatory Ph.D., which are contrary to the UGC Regulations, 2018 that permit either NET qualification or Ph.D. for such appointments. Despite making representations, the Respondents failed to amend the notification. Aggrieved by this arbitrary deviation from the UGC Page No.3 of 6
norms, which rendered them ineligible despite satisfying the statutory qualifications, the petitioners have filed this writ petition.
3. Learned standing counsel appearing for the respondents 3 & 4 would submit that the notification was issued as per the UGC guidelines and pursuant to the notification, the vacant positions were filed by the third respondent.
5. Heard the learned counsel on either side and perused the materials available on record.
6. Since, all the vacant positions have been filed by the third respondent for the post of Assistant University Librarian Grade-I, no further adjournments required in this writ petition. However, this Court directs the respondents to issue notification by following UGC guidelines in the upcoming recruitment.
7. With the aforesaid observation and direction, this writ petition is disposed of. No costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petitions are Page No.4 of 6
closed.
16.07.2025 Index :
Yes/No Speaking Order :
Yes/No :
Yes/No To:
1.The Principal Secretary to Government, Higher Education Department, Secretariat, Chennai - 600 009.
2.The University Grants Commission (UGC), Rep. by its Chairman, Bahadur Shah Zagar Marg, New Delhi - 110 002.
3.The Registrar, Anna University, Sardar Patel Road, Chennai - 600 025.
4.The Director, Recruitment Cell, Anna University, Sardar Patel Road, Chennai - 600 025.
N.MALA,J.
Vm/tsh Page No.5 of 6
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