(Dr) Mangkhollen Singson v. North Eastern Hill University (Nehu) and 6 Ors

JUDGMENT AND ORDER (ORAL)

¶1The writ petitioner by the present writ petition has come before this Court with the following prayers: a) Quash and set aside the impugned Selection Process for the post of Professor (UR) in the Department of Library and Information Science, NEHU which was conducted pursuant to the advertisement dated 16-03-2022; b) Quash and set aside the impugned appointment of Respondent No. 6 in the said post of Professor (UR) in the Department of Library and Information Science, NEHU; c) Direct the concerned Respondents to constitute a new Selection Committee as per the UGC Regulation 2018 for conducting a fresh selection and interview for the said post of Professor (UR) in the Department of Library and Information Science, NEHU at the earliest; d) Direct the concerned Respondents to allow the Petitioner and other eligible candidates to participate in the fresh selection process; e) Direct the concerned Respondents to ensure that only those candidates who fulfill the minimum eligibility criteria as per the UGC Regulations 2018 and the Notification(s) dates 24-06-2019 and 16-09-2019 are allowed to participate in the fresh selection process; f) And/or pass such directions / orders as Your Lordships may deem fit and proper in the interest of justice.

¶2In the course of the proceedings, the respondent No. 6 whose selection had been challenged, however, has resigned and the post has been rendered vacant.

¶3Mr. S.Dey, learned counsel for the petitioner submits that apart from the challenge made to the selection, serious reservations had been raised with regard to one of the members who is stated to be representing as the Scheduled Tribe member.

¶4Mr. S.Sen, learned counsel appearing for the respondents University, however submits that with the resignation of the selected candidate, nothing remains for consideration, inasmuch as, by operation of law itself, the post has been rendered vacant and accordingly it will be a fresh vacancy, which will be advertised in due course by the University. He also submits that there is no occasion for this Court to embark into the academic exercise with regard to the constitution of the Selection Committee.

¶5In view of the submissions and the situation as it pertains as on today, it is correct that nothing remains for consideration and the matter is accordingly closed and disposed of. Chief Justice (Acting) Date: 2024.09.19 17:29:09 IST

Serial No.01 Supp. List HIGH COURT OF MEGHALAYA AT SHILLONG WP(C). No. 55 of 2024 Date of Order : 19.09.2024 Shri. (Dr) Mangkhollen Singson …Petitioner -Versus- 1. North Eastern Hill University (NEHU) Represented by the Vice Chancellor, NEHU, Shillong, Meghalaya. 2. The Registrar, North Eastern Hill University, Shillong, Meghalaya. 3. Dean of SEMIS NEHU, Shillong, Meghalaya. 4. The Chairman, Selection Committee , NEHU, Shillong, Meghalaya. 5. Smti. (Dr.) B.B.K.Rymbai, (Schedule Tribe/Schedule Caste Member of the Selection Committee) Professor, Department of Education, NEHU, Shillong, Meghalaya. 6. Shri. (Dr.) Akhandanand Shukla, Professor, Department of Library and Information Science, NEHU, Shillong, Meghalaya. …Respondents 7. The University Grants Commission, (UGC), New Delhi, India, represented by its Secretary. …Pro Forma Respondent Coram: Hon'ble Mr. Justice H.S.Thangkhiew, Chief Justice (Acting) Appearance: For the Petitioner/Applicant(s) : Mr. S.Dey, Adv. Mr. S.Deb, Adv. For the Respondent(s) : Mr. S.Sen, Adv. for R 1-4. Ms. K.Gurung, Adv. vice Mr. M.L.Nongpiur, Adv. for R 5. Dr. P.Agarwal, Adv. for R 7. i) Whether approved for reporting in Law journals etc: ii) Whether approved for publication in press: