JUDGMENT :

Tarlok Singh Chauhan, Judge

Whether a qualification acquired by a candidate subsequent to the prescribed date can be taken into consideration to adjudge the eligibility or acquisition of higher qualification is the moot question to be decided in the instant petition?

2. The respondent-University issued an Advertisement No.Rectt.-17/2019 dated 30.12.2019 for filling up various teaching and administrative posts through direct recruitment. In terms of the advertisement, the crucial date i.e. the closing date for determining the eligibility of all candidates in respect of essential qualification(s) and experience, if any, etc. was 30.01.2020; as is evident from important Instruction No.2 appended with the advertisement which reads as under:-

“2. Date for determining eligibility of all candidates in respect of essential qualification(s) and experience, if any, etc. shall be the prescribed closing date for submission of Online Application i.e. 30-01-2020 (Closing date).”

3. The petitioner is an applicant for the post of Assistant Professor in Computer Science (BCA/MCA/PGDCA) in ICDEOL, Himachal Pradesh University, for which post the minimum qualification is as per the UGC Regulati