High Court Restrains Karnataka University From Announcing Results Of Interviews Held For PhD In Law

The Karnataka High Court has, by way of an interim order, restrained the Vice Chancellor of Karnataka University and other respondents from announcing the results of the interview held for the Ph.D programme in Law.A Single judge, Justice Anant Ramanath Hegde passed the order on October 28, while hearing the petition filed by Deepak Rajashekhar Tongli. The court while issuing notice to the respondents said, “Issue emergent notice to remaining respondents. Respondents No.1 to 4 are restrained from announcing the results of the interview pursuant to the notifications at Annexures-A and B. However, it is made clear that the interview may proceed as scheduled. The selection of candidates for the Ph.D. programme shall be subject to the result of the petition. List on 17.11.2025.” The petitioner contends that he qualified in the UGC-NET (Ph.D. Entrance Only) examination pursuant to the UGC Notification dated 28.03.2024, which was duly adopted by the University through Circular dated 12.05.2025. However, the subsequent Ph.D. Admission Notification dated 18.07.2025, failed to recognize this revised eligibility category, prompting the petitioner to submit a formal representation dated 27.07.2025. Since no response was received he filed a petition in the High Court on 07.08.2025, challenging the exclusionary notification. The court vide order dated 22.08.2025, directed the respondents to clarify their compliance with the adopted UGC framework.The plea claims that despite the pendency of W.P. No. 105711/2025 and the binding court direction, the Respondent University issued a Provisional Merit List dated 17.10.2025, excluding the petitioner, and scheduled interviews for 29.10.2025. Petitioner contends that the University's reply dated 14.08.2025 deferring the implementation of revised UGC guidelines (UGC-NET-Phd Entrance Only Category) to the next academic year, arbitrarily deprives him of timely consideration.Further, it is said that the denial of access to Ph.D. admissions through a nationally recognized eligibility test infringes upon the Petitioner's fundamental right to pursue a profession and academic advancement under Article 19(1)(g) of the Constitution.Seeking quashing of the merit list, it is contended that the Petitioner is a meritorious candidate holding two Postgraduate degrees in Law, prepared for and qualified the UGC-NET (Ph.D. Only) examination based on the public notification issued by the UGC and the University's own circular. The subsequent exclusion defeats the Petitioner's legitimate expectation and causes manifest injustice. The doctrine of promissory estoppel applies squarely to the facts of the case, it is argued.Further, it is submitted that the interviews scheduled for 29.10.2025 will render the pending W.P. No. 105711/2025 infructuous and cause irreparable injury to the Petitioner and similarly placed candidates.The plea prays for quashing the provisional merit list in so far as it excludes the petitioner from consideration under the exempted category despite holding a valid UGC-net (Ph.D. entrance only) qualification. It also seeks to direct the respondents to consider the petitioner's application for Ph.D. admission in law for the academic year 2025-26 under the newly introduced category of UGC-Net (Ph.D. entrance only), as recognized by the university grants commission. The Petitioner also seeks costs of Rs. 5,00,000 for being compelled to initiate litigation. Case Title: DEEPAK S/O RAJASHEKHAR TONGLI AND THE VICE CHANCELLOR & OthersCase No: WP 107970/2025Appearance: Advocate Santosh Appasab BiranagiClick Here To Read/Download Order

High Court Restrains Karnataka University From Announcing Results Of Interviews Held For PhD In Law

Mustafa Plumber

Tags