In Brief
The University of Agricultural Sciences advertised three Assistant Professor posts in Sericulture. The Selection Committee ranked J. Ashoka (the appellant) first, but the Board of Regents appointed the third-ranked candidate (Dr. Fathima Sadathulla) instead. Ashoka challenged this as arbitrary and violative of equal rights. The Supreme Court held that while the Board has power to appoint "the best individual," it must record reasons when selecting someone ranked lower than others. The Board had done so: the appointee held a Ph.D. in Sericulture (versus a Master's), had longer service, and faced hardship if not appointed, while Ashoka was already employed elsewhere. These were relevant, rationalized considerations, making the appointment lawful and constitutional.
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