MADURAI: The Madras High Court (Madurai Bench) has quashed the appointment of a Deputy Registrar of the Alagappa University in Karaikudi, who was selected based on a dubious process in which 100 per cent weightage was given to the interview. Normally, only 15 per cent weightage is given for interviews in selection process.
Justice S Nagamuthu pointed out that the facts in the case implied that it was a crystal clear case of the Deputy Registrar being appointed solely on the basis of 100 per cent marks allocated for the interview. No marks were allocated for qualification, seniority and the like.
The appointment of M Pichaiappan as Deputy Registrar was challenged by M Ramamoorthy, who is the Assistant Registrar of the university.
Pointing out that in many instances the Supreme Court has held that allocating more than 15 per cent marks for interview is unconstitutional, the judge said, “It is needless to point out that when 100 per cent marks is awarded for interview and the selection is made solely on the interview marks, certainly there is likelihood of favouritism, nepotism or any other things alike.”
While holding that the selection should be foolproof to assess the merit of the candidates so as to select the best among the participants for being promoted to the post of Deputy Registrar, Justice Nagamuthu added, “At the same time, I do not say that there shall be no interview. Interview is also a part of the selection process recognised by the courts of law.”
Quashing Pichaiappan’s appointment, he directed the university syndicate to constitute a fresh selection committee and recommend a Deputy Registrar from among 10 available candidates. Based on the recommendation, the university shall appoint a person within eight weeks.
Until the selection process is completed and a person is appointed on promotion as Deputy Registrar, the university shall be at liberty to put any Assistant Registrar in-charge of Deputy Registrar’s post, who may even be the present Deputy Registrar himself and it is absolutely within the domain of the University, the court said.