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Double Main Degree Valid for Teacher Post, Rules Kerala High Court

Kochi: The Kerala High Court, in a significant ruling, has affirmed that a 'double main' undergraduate degree can be considered equivalent to a degree in a single specialized subject for the purpose of employment, provided the concerned university recognizes such equivalence. Justice A. Muhamed Mustaque dismissed a petition filed by the Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC), upholding a Tribunal's decision in favour of a teaching aspirant.

Background of the Dispute

The case originated when an applicant, the first respondent, applied for the post of Full-Time Junior Language Teacher ( Arabic ) in a Lower Primary School. The notification for this 'by transfer' appointment stipulated a "degree in Arabic conferred or recognized by the Universities in Kerala" as one of the qualifications.

The applicant held a BA degree in Arabic and Islamic History, a 'double main' degree awarded by the University of Calicut.

PSC's Stance vs. Applicant's Qualification

The Kerala PSC contended that a degree exclusively in Arabic was required, arguing that a double main degree, which combined Arabic with another subject like Islamic History, did not meet the specific qualification. Consequently, the PSC did not consider the applicant qualified.

The applicant challenged this stance before the Administrative Tribunal, which ruled in their favour. The PSC then approached the High Court with an original petition challenging the Tribunal's order.

Court's Analysis and Reasoning

Justice A. Muhamed Mustaque meticulously examined the arguments and the nature of the qualification. The court's decision hinged on the recognition and equivalence granted by the university and supported by government policy.

University's Authority on Equivalence

The judgment emphasized that the University of Calicut, the awarding body, explicitly stated that the BA degree in Arabic and Islamic History is a double main degree equivalent to either a BA in Arabic or a BA in Islamic History.

The court observed:

"As seen from the order of the University in Kerala, this is a double main degree of the University and it is equivalent to BA Arabic or BA Islamic History. That means, a candidate who undergoes such a programme will have the advantage of two main degrees."

It further stated:

"University is the expert body. They considered the double main degree to be equivalent to a single degree programme."

Government's Stance on Multi-Main Degrees

The court also noted a relevant government position, citing Annexure A20, which acknowledged that even a triple main degree is considered equivalent to a degree in any one of the main subjects, provided it is obtained through regular study from a recognized university.

Key Judicial Observation

The core of the court's reasoning was that the inclusion of an additional main subject does not dilute the qualification in the primary subject required.

"The mere inclusion of an additional subject in a main degree does not imply that the individual lacks a degree in one of the main subjects... Therefore, it is clear that a particular degree in Arabic when supplemented with another main subject, will not cease to have the colour of a BA degree in Arabic ."

Judgment and Implications

Finding the PSC's challenge unsustainable, the High Court dismissed the original petition. The judgment clarifies that for employment qualifications, a double or multi-main degree can satisfy the requirement for a degree in one of those main subjects if the university itself accords such equivalence.

This ruling is a significant affirmation for candidates holding double or triple main degrees, ensuring that their comprehensive education is recognized appropriately in recruitment processes, especially when academic authorities validate the equivalence of such degrees. It underscores the primacy of university declarations regarding the nature and scope of the degrees they confer.