Delhi High Court PIL: NHAI Recruiting Lawyers Based On CLAT-PG Score

The Delhi High Court is hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for recruiting lawyers solely based on their CLAT-PG scores. Petitioners argued that NHAI’s recruitment process violates principles of merit, transparency, and equal opportunity. The PIL raised concerns over exclusion of candidates with experience or alternative qualifications, claiming that limiting appointments to CLAT-PG scores undermines wider selection criteria outlined in statutory rules and the Constitution. The Court examined whether NHAI has statutory power to set such restrictive eligibility criteria, considering the need to balance efficiency and fairness in government appointments. Observations emphasized that while merit-based assessment is crucial, administrative authorities must ensure that selection mechanisms do not inadvertently exclude qualified candidates or breach equality provisions under Article 14. The Court has issued notices to NHAI and directed submission of justifications for using CLAT-PG scores as the sole metric. The case highlights judicial scrutiny over recruitment norms in government bodies, underscoring the tension between standardized competitive exams and practical administrative discretion in appointments.