Dr. Showkeen Muzamil Bashir vs Sher-e-Kashmir University Of Agricultural Sciences And Technology (SKUAST) & Ors.

JUSTICE RITU TAGORE, MEMBER [JUDL.]

The case of the applicant, as projected in the O.A., is that he has been serving as Senior Assistant Professor in Veterinary Biochemistry at SKUAST Srinagar since 2014 and has more than 12 years of experience, with an Academic Performance Indicator score of 78.3 out of 80.

It is stated in the O.A. that the University advertised the post of Professor-cum-Chief Scientist in Veterinary Biochemistry vide Advertisement Notice No. 01 of 2026 dated 02.01.2026, pursuant to which the applicant applied, being fully eligible for the post.

It is further stated in O.A. that one of the eligibility conditions related to supervision of Ph.D. scholars. In this regard, the University itself sought clarification from the University Grants Commission vide communication dated 15.07.2026, whereupon the Commission, vide its clarification dated 31.07.2026, clarified that a co-supervisor of more than one Ph.D. scholar is also eligible for direct recruitment to the post of Professor.

Despite the aforesaid clarification, which according to the applicant confirmed his eligibility, the University conducted interviews for other disciplines from 08.08.2026 to 14.08.2026, while leaving his discipline out. However, the applicant, vide communication dated 08.08.2026, requested that his interview be kept in abeyance till receipt of the legal opinion, and the University, vide communication dated 09.08.2026, confirmed that the same had been done. Subsequently, the applicant learnt that the legal opinion had already been received by the University; however, no interview panel was constituted and no notice was issued to him for interview. Consequently, he again approached the University vide communication dated 07.09.2026, requesting that his interview be scheduled before conclusion of the recruitment process, stated to be around 18.09.2026 upon the meeting of the Board of Management, but received no response.

The applicant, aggrieved by the aforesaid inaction and the denial of an opportunity to appear in the interview despite claiming to be fully eligible for the post, has approached this Hon’ble Tribunal seeking a direction to the University to conduct his interview before finalization of the selection process. Hence, the present O.A.

Through the medium of the instant petition the petitioner seeks for the following reliefs-

Learned counsel for the applicant argued the matter at length and submitted that the applicant would be satisfied if the present O.A. is treated as a representation and the respondents are directed to consider and decide the same within a stipulated time frame, in light of the averments made therein, along with the documents annexed and the law applicable in the instant case.

Learned counsel for the respondents, Mr. Faizan Majid Bhat, submits that, without prejudice to their rights and contentions, the respondents have no objection if the present O.A. is treated as a representation and is disposed of in terms of the submissions advanced on behalf of the petitioner.

Heard learned counsel for the parties.

Learned counsel for the parties are ad idem that the present O.A. may be disposed of at this stage by treating the same as a representation.

Accordingly, without expressing any opinion on the merits of the case, the present O.A. is disposed of with a direction to respondents to treat this O.A. as representation and to accord due consideration to the assertions and the applicant’s claim made therein in light of the law holding the field and subject to the entitlement and eligibility of the applicant, as well as other applicable conditions and rules and regulations. Further, if there is no impediment. However, the conduct of the interview in the said discipline/stream for the post of Professor-cum-Chief Scientist in Veterinary Biochemistry shall be before the finalization of the selection process and as per the eligibility of the said post in question and in accordance with law.

Respondents shall also take into consideration the documents annexed with the O.A. while according such consideration.

It is clarified that this Tribunal has not expressed any opinion on the merits of the claims or contentions raised by either side. All questions of fact and law are left open to be considered by the competent authority, in accordance with law.

Accordingly, O.A. No. 984/2026 is disposed of along with the connected M.As., if any, parties are to bear their own costs.

Consign the file to the Record Room, after due compliance.