JUDGMENT :

1. By this judgment, two writ petitions, one filed by Dr. Syed Shujat Hussain (SWP No.683/2013) and other filed by Dr. Firdous Ahmad Raina (SWP No.681/2013), are proposed to be decided.

2. On 15.02.2008, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology, Kashmir (for short “the respondent University”) issued advertisement notice No.03 of 2008 dated 15.02.2008, inviting applications for various posts including the posts of Assistant Professor/Junior Scientist in the subjects of Plant Pathology and Soil Science. In response to the said advertisement notice, petitioner Dr. Firdous Ahmad Raina applied for the post of Assistant Professor/Junior Scientist in the subject of Plant Pathology whereas petitioner Dr. Syed Shujat Hussain applied in the subject of Soil Science. As per the notification, the requisite qualification for the aforesaid posts was given as under :

“Essential

i. High Second Class Master’s degree or equivalent post-graduate qualification in the concerned subject.

ii. Two years experience of teaching/research or extension education as the case may be.

Or

Ph. D degree in the subject concerned.

Note:-:

i. In case of candidates who hold Post-graduate qualific