JUDGMENT

Heard.

2. The matter was initially heard by another learned Judge, who, by order dated 17.04.2025, observed that the counter affidavit filed by the first respondent was unsatisfactory and directed the filing of a fresh counter. Pursuant thereto, the first respondent University filed an additional counter affidavit on 20.06.2025. The case was thereafter heard, during which submissions were made by the junior counsel for the petitioner. However, after the matter was reserved for orders, a further request was made for an opportunity to advance additional submissions. This Court, therefore, directed the filing of written submissions, which were duly submitted, and the matter was finally reserved for orders on 22.07.2025.

3. The petitioner’s case is that the first respondent University issued advertisements dated 22.07.2016, 26.07.2016 and 03.08.2016 inviting applications for the posts of Professors, Associate Professors, and Assistant Professors, which, according to the petitioner, were issued in serious violation of applicable norms. While the first respondent University subsequently dropped the recruitment process for the posts of Professors and Associate Professors, it continu