Last grade posts in Kerala universities: SC to decide if degree is 'to be or not to be' a criterion

New Delhi: The Supreme Court is set to hear arguments on whether the Public Service Commission (PSC) and the Kerala state government have the authority to unilaterally fix eligibility criteria for last grade posts in universities. The apex court took up the matter while considering a petition filed by the PSC, claiming it has the power to determine qualifications for non-teaching positions.

In 2020, the Kerala state government had issued a notification specifying eligibility criteria for last grade posts in various universities across the state. The move was part of an effort to streamline recruitment procedures in universities. According to the notification, candidates were required to have passed Class VII, but possessing a university degree was not allowed.

Several job aspirants approached the Kerala High Court, pointing out that the bar on candidates holding degrees violated university laws and statutes. A single bench of the High Court held that the government did not have the authority to introduce eligibility norms contrary to university laws and rules. A division bench later allowed recruitment to proceed, striking down the clause that disqualified degree holders.

Challenging this ruling, the PSC and a group of aspirants without degrees approached the Supreme Court. The PSC argued before the court that under provisions of the 2015 Law, it has the authority to set eligibility criteria for non-teaching university posts.

Following this, the Supreme Court issued notices to all respondents in the case, including the state government.

Senior advocate V Chidambaresh and advocate Vipin Nair appeared on behalf of the PSC, while senior advocate Nikhil Goel, along with advocates Haris Beeran and Azhar Aziz, represented the petitioners.