Kochi: In a significant ruling, the Kerala High Court has allowed graduates to apply for last grade positions in state universities, overturning a government appeal that aimed to restrict their eligibility. The division bench, comprising Justice Anil K. Narendran and Justice P. G. Ajithkumar, upheld a previous single bench order that had invalidated a provision barring graduates from applying for these roles.
The court clarified that while restrictions exist on the graduates applying for last grade posts in government departments, such limitations do not extend to university appointments. It directed that fresh notifications for these positions be issued and that examinations be conducted again with revised eligibility criteria.
Furthermore, the division bench emphasized that there are no legal or regulatory barriers preventing the unification of eligibility criteria for last grade appointments across all universities in the state. The ruling ensures that graduates, who were previously excluded, now have an equal opportunity to compete for these positions.
This decision marks a significant step toward promoting fairness and inclusivity in university recruitment, enabling graduates to access a broader range of job opportunities within the education sector. It underscores the importance of aligning recruitment policies with the principles of equal opportunity and non-discrimination.
