Might Reconsider Decision Linking CLAT-PG Scores To Lawyers Recruitment: NHAI Tells Delhi High Court

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) on Monday told the Delhi High Court that it is likely to reconsider its decision making scores of CLAT-PG a basis for recruitment of lawyers.

The submission was made by NHAI's counsel before a division bench comprising Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela.

The Court was hearing a public interest litigation filed by lawyer Shannu Baghel challenging a notification issued by NHAI on August 11 stating that CLAT PG scores will be a basis for recruiting lawyers.

The counsel for NHAI stated that the last date of applications has been extended to September 25 and that the authority is likely to reconsider the impugned decision.

Accordingly, the Court listed the matter for hearing on September 18. To be placed high on board, it said.

The plea states that any score of a candidate in the Common Law Admission Test- (Post Graduate) cannot be made basis of public employment.

It has been contended that the CLAT-PG examination is conducted only for assessing the merit of the respective candidates holding LL.B Degree to pursue master's degree in law.

The petition states that the impugned notification issued by NHAI is not to pursue masters degree in law but rather is to provide services of legal professional. Thus, CLAT-PG score cannot be made a basis for recruitment of lawyers by NHAI, the plea adds.

It adds that there is no reasonable or rational nexus between the objects sought to be achieved and the basis of preparation of merit for such selection by NHAI.

According to the petitioner, the criteria of restricting selection exclusively on the basis of CLAT PG score is arbitrary and irrational.

Title: Shannu Baghel v. Union of India & Anr