Recruitment processes must strictly adhere to established rules to ensure transparency and correct candidate evaluation.

JUDGMENT :

SUNITA AGARWAL, J.

1. Having noted by the order dated 25.07.2025, noticing the statement made in the affidavit of the Deputy Secretary, Gujarat Public Service Commission (GPSC), we have summoned the entire original record pertaining to the selection for the post in question, specifically for the interview held on 17.12.2015. When the matter was taken up today, the original record has been produced before us by Mr. Harsheel D. Shukla, learned advocate appearing for Gujarat Public Service Commission (GPSC).

2. We may note that a requisition No. GEC-112015-1029–GH dated 05.08.2015 was sent by the Deputy Secretary, Education Department, Government of Gujarat notifying one (1) vacancy of the post in question namely the Professor, Plastic Engineering, which has been categorized in the general category. By another communication No. GEC-112015- M.P./Professor-KH dated 05.08.2015, in total 13 applications of eligible candidates were forwarded for assessment of suitability of the candidates for different posts which include one (1) application for Professor, Plastic Engineering.

3. We may also note that the interview program notified under the signature of I/c. P. S. to Chairman, GPSC dated 03.12.2015, which is at page no. ‘323/C’ of the original record, which is the same as brought on record by the petitioner at page no. ‘Z – 24’ of the paper-book, and the requisition dated 05.08.2015 sent by the Secretary, Education Department, Government of Gujarat to the Secretary, GPSC record that only one eligible candidate was called for the interview held on 17.12.2015 for the post of Professor, Plastic Engineering, Class – I at Government Engineering College against advertisement No. 49/2015-16.

4. From a perusal of the aforesaid documents from the original record, it is evident that the statement made by the officer posted as Deputy Secretary, GPSC in the affidavit (paragraph no. 3.6) dated 27.11.2017, that after scrutiny of applications, two candidates satisfying the eligibility criteria were called for the personal interview for the said post, is clearly misleading. The officer of GPSC who is the deponent of the affidavit dated 27.11.2017, is required to furnish his explanation by filing his personal affidavit to explain as to why proceedings for perjury be not initiated against him for making a false statement on oath before this Court.

5. A further perusal of the original record of interview namely minutes of the meeting of interview held on 17.12.2015, prepared and signed under the signature of the Secretary on 18.12.2015 placed before us indicates that :-

“Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 17^th December, 2015 to interview candidate for the post of Professor, Plastic Engineering in Govt. Engineering College, Guj. Education Service, (C.B.), Class-I, Advt. No. 49/2015-16.

2. The Committee consisted of the Chairman, Member Shri J.J. Shiyani and Member Dr. Shruti Kikani.

3. Only 01 candidate was called for interview and she remained present.

4. There is only 01 post for General category (unreserved). The Committee did not consider the candidate suitable for recommendation to the Government. The statement showing marks obtained in Viva-Voce by the unsuccessful candidate is also attached herewith.

5. The Committee regrets its inability to recommend any candidate for the 01 post as no suitable candidate was available for the same.

6. Shri A.M. Prabhakar, Principal, Govt. Engineering College, Modasa, remained present to assist the Committee as Government Nominee. Dr. Pradip Upadhyay, Principal, Central Institute of Plastic Engg. and Technology, Ahmedabad and Dr. R.N. Jagtap, Professor