Haryana Teacher Recruitment Dispute Resolved: Supreme Court Recognizes Kurukshetra University Diplomas
The long-standing legal battle over the recognition of Diplomas in Art & Craft from Kurukshetra University for teacher recruitment in Haryana has finally been settled. The Supreme Court has ruled in favor of the petitioners, allowing their diplomas to be considered valid for recruitment as Art & Craft Teachers. This judgment resolves years of litigation and confusion regarding eligibility for government teaching positions in Haryana.
Background of the Case
The case stems from a recruitment process initiated in 2006 for 816 Art & Craft Teacher posts in Haryana. The Haryana Staff Selection Commission (HSSC) issued Advertisement No. 6/2006, requiring a 2-year Diploma in Art & Craft from the Haryana Industrial Training Department or an equivalent qualification recognized by the Haryana Education Department.
The controversy arose when the Director of School Education, Haryana, issued a letter on December 12, 2006, stating that only the diploma from the Haryana Industrial Training Department would be recognized. This effectively disqualified candidates with diplomas from Kurukshetra University and other universities.
High Court’s Initial Ruling
Aggrieved candidates approached the Punjab & Haryana High Court, leading to a ruling on February 22, 2007, in the case Suman Lata & Others vs. The State of Haryana. The High Court held that:
- The Diploma in Art & Craft from Kurukshetra University was already recognized by the State of Haryana in 1999.
- The December 12, 2006, order contradicting this recognition was invalid.
- Candidates with Kurukshetra University diplomas should be considered eligible.
Supreme Court Overturns the High Court Decision
The case eventually reached the Supreme Court, where the ruling was reversed on November 24, 2021, in Devender Bhaskar & Others vs. State of Haryana. The Supreme Court held:
“Equivalence of qualifications is a matter for the State, as the recruiting authority, to determine.”
This decision invalidated the High Court’s previous ruling, leading to further legal challenges by affected candidates.
Review Petitions and Supreme Court’s Final Ruling
Following the Supreme Court’s 2021 decision, 404 affected candidates filed review petitions, arguing that:
- The 1999 recognition of Kurukshetra University’s diploma was still valid.
- The Haryana government’s decision to disqualify them was arbitrary and unjust.
- Many candidates had been provisionally allowed to participate in the recruitment process and had even been included in the selection list.
During these proceedings, the Haryana government reconsidered its stance. The government officially recognized Kurukshetra University’s diploma as equivalent and agreed to accommodate the affected candidates.
Government’s Final Decision
On May 18, 2023, the Director of Elementary Education, Haryana, issued a letter stating that:
“The government has given permission/one-time relaxation to convert 178 posts of TGT Art to Art & Craft Teacher (Diminishing Cadre), allowing 667 candidates with Kurukshetra University diplomas to be accommodated.”
As a result, 485 of the 816 posts remained vacant, which would now be filled by the remaining eligible candidates.
Supreme Court’s Verdict
The Supreme Court, comprising Justices Krishna Murari and Sanjay Kumar, ruled that:
- The Diploma in Art & Craft from Kurukshetra University is valid for recruitment.
- The selection process should proceed without affecting the 178 candidates already appointed.
- The government must complete the recruitment within two months.
Key Observations by the Supreme Court
The Court noted:
“It is no longer in issue that the Diplomas in Art & Craft secured from Kurukshetra University stand on par with the Diploma in Art & Craft from Haryana Industrial Training Department.”
The Court further emphasized the need for fairness, stating:
“Appointments must be made based on merit rankings in the selection list dated 14.11.2021.”
Impact of the Judgment
This judgment brings an end to a recruitment process that has remained unresolved for nearly 17 years. It ensures that:
- 667 affected candidates will now receive their rightful appointments.
- The remaining vacant posts will be filled in accordance with the revised recognition.
- The Haryana government must honor its past commitments to recognized institutions.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s decision underscores the importance of consistency in government recruitment policies. It also sets a precedent for ensuring that candidates are not arbitrarily disqualified due to administrative changes. The recognition of Kurukshetra University’s diploma provides justice to affected candidates and restores fairness to Haryana’s teacher recruitment process.
Petitioner Name: Neeraj Kumar & Anr..Respondent Name: State of Haryana & Ors..Judgment By: Justice Krishna Murari, Justice Sanjay Kumar.Place Of Incident: Haryana.Judgment Date: 02-07-2023.
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