In Brief
A teacher candidate with 44.58% marks in graduation secured admission to a B.Ed course on 23 October 2009, before the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) imposed a 50% marks requirement on 31 August 2009. Rajasthan rejected his application citing insufficient marks. The Supreme Court held that since his admission substantially began before the cut-off date, the higher requirement did not apply. Treating similarly situated students differently within the same academic cohort violates equality rights. The Court set aside the rejection, directed reinstatement with consequential benefits (excluding back wages for periods not worked), and granted fitment of pay.
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