Case Note & Summary
The Supreme Court allowed the appeal filed by Appellant against the High Court's decision which had invalidated the selection process for Professor (Plastic Engineering) posts. The Court held that AICTE Regulations apply only to career advancement schemes and not to direct recruitment processes conducted under State Government rules. The candidate had participated in the interview-based selection process without protest and secured only 28 marks against the required 45 marks. The Court emphasized that the selection committee's decision should not be interfered with in judicial review and that the principle of estoppel applies against candidates who participate in selection processes without objection.
Headnote
The Supreme Court allowed the appeal filed by Appellant -- The Court held that All India Council for Technical Education (Career Advancement Scheme for the Teachers and Other Academic Staff in Technical Institutions) (Degree) Regulations, 2012 (AICTE Regulations) do not apply to direct recruitment processes conducted under State Government rules -- The candidate participated in the selection process without protest and was bound by the advertisement terms -- The selection committee's decision regarding suitability was made by experts and should not be interfered with in judicial review -- The Division Bench of High Court erred in invalidating the selection process based on AICTE Regulations -- The principle of estoppel applies against the candidate who participated in the selection process -- The AICTE Regulations govern career advancement schemes, not direct recruitment processes -- The State Rules framed under Article 309 of Constitution of India govern the recruitment process
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Issue of Consideration: Whether AICTE Regulations apply to the process of direct recruitment under the State Rules conducted by the Commission for filling up the post of Professors in Government Engineering Colleges in the State of Gujarat
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Final Decision
The Supreme Court allowed the appeal and set aside the order dated 20.08.2025 passed by Division Bench of High Court of Gujarat -- The Court restored the order dated 25.11.2024 of learned Single Judge which had dismissed the writ petition -- The Court held that AICTE Regulations do not apply to direct recruitment processes under State Rules
