The Madras High Court has upheld a November 2010 notification of the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission giving preference to those with forestry degree to fill 80 posts of forest apprentice for three years from 2006-07.
Originally, petitions were filed by those candidates who were non-forestry degree holders.
They said that though they had passed the written test, they were not called for the interview.
They had also cleared the physical measurement and walking tests. There was no response to their representation. In the midst of the selection process, the rules were amended to give preference to those with forestry degree.
The petitioners argued that their curriculum included forestry. Since all other things were equal, there was no reason to give preference to those with forestry degree. Therefore, their claim should also be considered.
The TNPSC said that a degree in forestry or in 13 equivalent disciplines had been prescribed. However, in the final selection, it was decided that if candidates with a forestry degree or its equivalent were not available, those with a non-forestry degree could be considered.
On January 4, 2013, a single judge disposed of all writ petitions with certain directives. Aggrieved, the TNPSC filed the present appeal.
