Vanshika Bhalla
On 8 February 2025, the Supreme Court of India directed the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) to investigate illegal appointments of Ad Hoc lecturers at Motilal Nehru Government Polytechnic College, Puducherry. Invoking its powers under Article 142 of the Constitution, the Court ordered the regularization of 18 lecturers without UPSC involvement.
A Bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and Manmohan emphasized:
“We also direct that all the 18 incumbent lecturers (15 + 3) be regularized by the Government of Puducherry without any involvement of the UPSC.”
The issue began when three lecturers sought regularization, a plea granted by the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), Madras Bench. Despite the CAT ruling being upheld by the High Court, the Union of India and Puducherry’s education authorities challenged it in the Supreme Court.
The Court expressed concern that 45 out of 51 sanctioned posts were filled by Ad Hoc appointees since 2005, despite the introduction of recruitment rules in 2006. The UPSC’s refusal to regularize these lecturers was criticized as audacious, given prior similar regularizations.
Noting the lecturers’ qualifications and blemish-free service, the court rejected the misuse of legal precedents to justify prolonged ad hoc appointments. It directed the UT government to fill future vacancies per the 2006 rules without ad hoc arrangements.
Additionally, the CVC was tasked with identifying those responsible for the illegal appointments and submitting its findings by 14 May 2025.
“In the matter of public employment, the Government is bound to appoint the best available talent through proper recruitment processes,” the court emphasized.
This decision aims to provide long-overdue justice to the lecturers and ensure greater accountability in public employment practices in Puducherry.
Case Name: Union of India Rep by Government of Puducherry & Anr. v. K. Velajagan & Ors.
Case Number: SLP(C) NO. 2868/2018
Bench: Justices Dipankar Datta and Manmohan