In Brief
The Nagaland Public Service Commission appointed a candidate with M.Sc. in Biochemistry to the post of Lecturer in Chemistry in Higher Education, arguing that Biochemistry is chemistry for all purposes. The Supreme Court dismissed the appeal, holding that the prescribed qualification was specifically M.Sc. in Chemistry, not Biochemistry. While related, Biochemistry is a distinct subject and does not satisfy the essential qualification. The Court clarified that PSCs must strictly follow prescribed qualifications and cannot relax them based on expert opinion. However, the State Government remains free to amend qualification requirements if needed and grant age relaxation under revised instructions."]
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