Delhi High Court Stays Recruitment Of Lawyers By NHAI Based On CLAT-PG Score Till Verdict On PIL

The Delhi High Court on Thursday (September 18) reserved its verdict on a PIL challenging National Highways Authority of India's (NHAI) August 11 notification stating that CLAT-PG scores will be a basis for recruiting lawyers. 

The court also halted the recruitment by NHAI till it pronounces verdict on the plea. 

A division bench of Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela reserved the order after hearing all parties. 

In the previous hearing NHAI told the High Court that it is likely to reconsider its decision making scores of CLAT-PG a basis for recruitment of lawyers.

The Court was hearing a public interest litigation filed by lawyer Shannu Baghel. 

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.

Case Title: Shannu Baghel v. Union of India & Anr