2026:JHHC:15385 1 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JHARKHAND AT RANCHI W.P.(S). No. 4210 of 2024 ---------- Puja Singh, aged about 35 years, daughter of Kamlesh Kumar Singh, resident of 348, DVC Bermo Mines Old Colony, P.O. & P.S. Gandhi Nagar, Bermo, District Bokaro, Jharkhand. ……. Petitioner Versus 1. The State of Jharkhand through the Chief Secretary, Government of Jharkhand having its office at Project Building, Dhurwa, P.O. Dhurwa, P.S. Jagannathpur, Dist. Ranchi, Jharkhand. 2. The Secretary, Department of Personnel, Administrative Reforms and Rajbhasha, Government of Jharkhand having its office Project Bhawan, Dhurwa, P.O. Dhurwa, P.S. Jagannathpur, Dist. Ranchi, Jharkhand. 3. The Secretary, Department of School Education & Literacy, Government of Jharkhand having its office at Project Building, Dhurwa, P.O. Dhurwa, P.S. Jagannathpur, Dist. Ranchi, Jharkhand. 4. The Director, Directorate of Secondary Education, Department of School Education & Literacy, Government of Jharkhand having its office at Project Building, Dhurwa, Р.О. Dhurwa, P.S. Jagannathpur, Dist. Ranchi, Jharkhand. 5. The Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission, through its Secretary, having its office at Chiabagan Gali, Kali Nagar, P.O. & P.S. Namkum, Dist. Ranchi, Jharkhand. 6. The University Grants Commission, through its secretary, having its office at Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi, P.O. & P.S. - New Delhi, District -New Delhi. ………. Respondents. With W.P.(S). No. 5984 of 2025 -------- Kamlesh, aged about 32 years, daughter of Chandrika Prasad, resident of at village Amadarveshpur Satrahi, P.S. Alapur, District Ambedkar Nagar, Uttar Pradesh - 224181. ………… Petitioner Versus 1. The State of Jharkhand through Secretary, Department of School Education & Literacy, Government of Jharkhand, having its office at Project Building, Dhurwa, P.O. & P.S. Dhurwa, Dist. Ranchi, Jharkhand. 2. The Director, Directorate of Secondary Education, Department of School Education & Literacy, Government of Jharkhand, having its office at Project Building, Dhurwa, 2026:JHHC:15385 2 P.O. & P.S. Dhurwa, Dist. Ranchi, Jharkhand. 3. The Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission, through its Secretary, having its office at Chaibagan Gali, Kali Nagar, Namukum, P.O. & P.S. Namkum, Dist. Ranchi, Jharkhand. 4. The Controller of Examination, Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission, having its office at Chaibagan Gali, Kali Nagar, Namukum, P.O. & P.S. - Namkum, Dist. Ranchi, Jharkhand. 5. The University Grants Commission, through its secretary, having its office at Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi, P.O. & P.S. - New Delhi, District -New Delhi. ……….. Respondents With W.P.(S). No. 3473 of 2025 -------- Ajay Kumar Choudhary, aged about 41 years, Son of Ramdhari Chaudhary, Resident ofvillage Katual Kala, P.O.- Katual Kala, P.S.-Chainpur, District-Palamau, Jharkhand-822110. ……….. Petitioner Versus 1. The State of Jharkhand. 2. The Secretary Personnel, Administrative Reforms and Rajbhasha Department, Government of Jharkhand, Nepal House, P.O. & P.S.- Doranda, District- Ranchi, Jharkhand. 3. The Secretary, School Education and Literacy Department, Government of Jharkhand, Project Building, P.O.- Dhurwa, P.S.-Jagannathpur, District- Ranchi, Jharkhand. 4. The Director, Directorate of Secondary Education, School Education and Literacy Department, Government of Jharkhand, Project Building, P.O. Dhurwa, P.S. Jagannathpur, District-Ranchi, Jharkhand. 5. The Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission, having its registered office at Kali Nagar, Chai Bagan, Namkum, P.O. & P.S.-Namkum, District- Ranchi, Jharkhand through its Chairman. 6. The Chairman, Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission, Kali Nagar, Chai Bagan, Namkum, P.O. & P.S. Namkum, District- Ranchi, Jharkhand. 7. The Secretary, Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission, Kali Nagar, Chai Bagan, Namkum, P.O. & P.S.- Namkum, District- Ranchi, Jharkhand. 8. The Controller of Examination, Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission, Kali Nagar, Chai Bagan, Namkum, P.O. & P.S.- Namkum, District- Ranchi, Jharkhand. ……….. Respondents With W.P.(S). No. 5666 of 2025 --------- Ranjana Kumari, aged about 27 years, daughter of Mahanand Gorain, resident of at Patharkatta Side, P.O. -Chas, P.S. Chas (M), 2026:JHHC:15385 3 District - Bokaro, Jharkhand. ……….. Petitioner Versus 1. The State of Jharkhand through Secretary, Department of School Education & Literacy, Government of Jharkhand, having its office at Project Building, Dhurwa, P.O. & P.S. Dhurwa. Dist. Ranchi, Jharkhand. 2. The Director, Directorate of Secondary Education, Department of School Education & Literacy, Government of Jharkhand, having its office at Project Building, Dhurwa, P.O. & P.S. Dhurwa, Dist. Ranchi, Jharkhand. 3. The Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission, through its Secretary, having its office at Chaibagan Gali, Kali Nagar, Namukum, P.O. & P.S. Namkum, Dist. Ranchi, Jharkhand. 4. The Controller of Examination, Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission, having its office at Chaibagan Gali, Kali Nagar, Namukum, P.O. & P.S. - Namkum, Dist. Ranchi, Jharkhand. 5. The University Grants Commission, through its secretary, having its office at Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi, P.O. & P.S. - New Delhi, District -New Delhi. ……….. Respondents With W.P.(S). No. 4420 of 2025 ---------- Vivekanand Pandey S/o Ravikant Pandey, Aged about 30 years, R/o 9A, Gumo Barwadih, P.O. Jhumri Tellaiya, P.S.- Tellaiya, Dist. Koderma, Jharkhand-825409. ………. Petitioner Versus 1. State of Jharkhand Through Chief Secretary, Government of Jharkhand, Project Building, Dhurwa, P.O. & P.S. Dhurwa, Ranchi, Jharkhand-834004 2. Secretary, Department of Personnel, Administrative Reforms and Rajbhasha, Government of Jharkhand, having office at: Project Bhawan, Dhurwa, P.O. & P.S. Dhurwa, Ranchi, Jharkhand-834004 3. Secretary, Department of School Education and Literacy, Government of Jharkhand, having office at: Project Bhawan, Dhurwa, P.O. & P.S.- Dhurwa, Ranchi, Jharkhand-834004 4. Director, Directorate of Secondary Education, Department of School Education & Literacy, Government of Jharkhand, having office at: Project Bhawan, Dhurwa, P.O. & P.S.- Dhurwa, Ranchi, Jharkhand-834004 5. Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission through its Secretary, having office at: Chaibagan Gali, Kali Nagar, P.O. & P.S.- Namkum, Dist. Ranchi, Jharkhand-834010 6. Controller of Examination, Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission, having office at: Chaibagan Gali, Kali Nagar, P.O. 2026:JHHC:15385 4 & P.S.-Namkum, Dist. Ranchi, Jharkhand-834010 ….…….. Respondents With W.P.(S). No. 553 of 2025 ------- Manoj Kumar, aged about 44 years, S/o Rameshwar Ram, Resident of Village Garrikalan, P.O. Garrikalan, P.S. Keredari & District Hazaribagh. ……….. Petitioner Versus 1. The State of Jharkhand through the Chief Secretary, Government of Jharkhand having its office at Project Building, Dhurwa, P.O. Dhurwa, P.S. Jagannathpur & District - Ranchi. 2. The Principal Reforms Secretary, Department of Personnel, Administrative and Rajbhasha, Government of Jharkhand having its office at Project Bhawan, Dhurwa, P.O. Dhurwa, P.S. Jagannathpur & District - Ranchi. 3. The Principal Secretary, Department of School Education & Literacy, Government of Jharkhand having its office at Project Building, Dhurwa, P.O. Dhurwa, P.S. Jagannathpur & District - Ranchi. 4. The Director, Directorate of Secondary Education, Department of School Education & Literacy, Government of Jharkhand having its office at Project Building, Dhurwa, P.O. Dhurwa, P.S. Jagannathpur & District - Ranchi. 5. The Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission through its Secretary, having its office at Kali Nagar, Chai Bagan, P.O., P.S. Namkum & District - Ranchi. 6. The Chairman, Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission, having its office at Kali Nagar, Chai Bagan, P.O., P.S. Namkum & District - Ranchi. 7. The Examination Controller, Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission, having its office at Kali Nagar, Chai Bagan, P.O., P.S. Namkum & District -Ranchi. 8. The University Grants Commission through its Secretary, having its office at Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi, P.O., P.S. & District - New Delhi. ……….. Respondents With W.P.(S). No. 4354 of 2024 --------- Rajaram Yadav, aged about 28 years, son of Mahadew Yadav,, resident of Village Hurnali, P.O. Pitiz, P.S. Itkhori, District Chatra, Jharkhand. ………. Petitioner Versus 1. The State of Jharkhand through the Chief Secretary, Government of Jharkhand having its office at Project Building, Dhurwa, P.O. Dhurwa, P.S. Jagannathpur, Dist. Ranchi, Jharkhand. 2. The Secretary, Administrative Reforms Department of Personnel and Rajbhasha, Government of Jharkhand having its 2026:JHHC:15385 5 office Project Bhawan, Dhurwa, P.O. Dhurwa, P.S. Jagannathpur, Dist. Ranchi, Jharkhand. 3. The Secretary, Department of School Education & Literacy, Government of Jharkhand having its office at Project Building, Dhurwa, P.O. Dhurwa, P.S. -Jagannathpur, Dist. Ranchi, Jharkhand. 4. The Director, Directorate of Secondary Education, Department of School Education & Literacy, Government of Jharkhand having its office at Project Building, Dhurwa, Р.О. Dhurwa, P.S. Jagannathpur, Dist. Ranchi, Jharkhand. 5. The Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission, through its Secretary, having its office at Chiabagan Gali, Kali Nagar, P.O. & P.S. Namkum, Dist. Ranchi, Jharkhand. 6. The University Grants Commission, through its secretary, having its office at Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi, P.O. & P.S. New Delhi, District -New Delhi. ………… Respondents With W.P.(S). No. 5156 of 2024 ----- Rupesh Lal Bhagat @ Rupesh Bhagat, aged about 27 years, son of Lal Bihari Oraon, resident of village Parsahi, P.O. - Ledhpa, P.S. Latehar, District Latehar, Jharkhand. ….. Petitioner Versus 1. The State of Jharkhand through the Chief Secretary, Government of Jharkhand having its office at Project Building, Dhurwa, P.O. Dhurwa, P.S. Jagannathpur, Dist. Ranchi, Jharkhand. 2. The Secretary Department of Personnel, Administrative Reforms and, Rajbhasha, Government of Jharkhand having its office Project Bhawan, Dhurwa, P.O. Dhurwa, P.S. Jagannathpur, Dist. Ranchi, Jharkhand. 3. The Secretary, Department of School Education & Literacy, Government of Jharkhand having its office at Project Building, Dhurwa, P.O. Dhurwa, P.S. -Jagannathpur, Dist. - Ranchi, Jharkhand. 4. The Director, Directorate of Secondary Education, Department of School Education & Literacy, Government of Jharkhand having its office at Project Building, Dhurwa, P.Ο. Dhurwa, P.S. Jagannathpur, Dist. - Ranchi, Jharkhand. 5. The Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission, through its Secretary, having its office at Chiabagan Gali, Kali Nagar, P.O. & P.S. Namkum, Dist. Ranchi, Jharkhand. 6. The University Grants Commission, through its secretary, having its office at Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg. New Delhi, P.O. & P.S. - New Delhi, District -New Delhi. ………… Respondents With W.P.(S). No. 5414 of 2025 2026:JHHC:15385 6 ------ Akash Kumar Saw, aged about 35 years, Son of Raj Kishor Saw, Resident of-56 Bastacola, Near Laxmi Medical Hall, P.O.-Dhansar, P.S. Jharia, District-Dhanbad, Jharkhand-828106. …….. Petitioner Versus 1. The State of Jharkhand. 2. The Secretary Personnel, Administrative Reforms and Rajbhasha Department, Government of Jharkhand, Nepal House, P.O. & P.S. Doranda, District- Ranchi, Jharkhand. 3. The Secretary School Education and Literacy Department, Government of Jharkhand, Project Building, P.O.- Dhurwa, P.S. Jagannathpur, District-Ranchi, Jharkhand. 4. The Director, Directorate of Secondary Education, School Education and Literacy Department, Government of Jharkhand, Project Building, P.O. Dhurwa, P.S.-Jagannathpur, District- Ranchi, Jharkhand. 5. The Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission, having its registered office at Kali Nagar, Chai Bagan, Namkum, P.O. & P.S. Namkum, District- Ranchi, Jharkhand through its Chairman. 6. The Chairman, Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission, Kali Nagar, Chai Bagan, Namkum, P.O. & P.S.-Namkum, District- Ranchi, Jharkhand. 7. The Secretary, Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission, Kali Nagar, Chai Bagan, Namkum. P.O. & P.S.-Namkum, District- Ranchi, Jharkhand. 8. The Controller of Examination, Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission, Kali Nagar, Chai Bagan, Namkum, P.O. & P.S.- Namkum, District Ranchi, Jharkhand. …………. Respondents With W.P.(S). No. 4514 of 2024 ------- 1. Suman Samir Kindo, aged about 34 years, son of John Kindo, resident of Village- Dipugarha, P.O.-Hazaribagh, P.S.-Sadar, District-Hazaribagh. 2. Sudheer Kumar Yadav, aged about 27 years, son of Shri Raghunath Yadav, resident of Village Mahuatand, P.O.-Jamu, P.S.-Markacho, District-Koderma. 3. Rahul Raj, aged about 29 years, son of Shri Bhuneshwar Ram, resident of Village-Romi, P.O.-Pelawal, P.S.-Katkamsandi, District-Hazaribagh. 4. Arun Kumar Chakravarty, aged about 41 years, son of Shri Rabindra Nath Chakravarty, resident of Village-Pindari, P.O. & P.S.-Karmatar, District-Jamtara. 5. Sanjana Singh, aged about 26 years, daughter of Shri Pradeep Singh, resident of Village-Lalpur, P.O.-Khurchutta, P.S.- Begabad, District- Giridih. 2026:JHHC:15385 7 6. Awantika Pallavi, aged about 26 years, daughter of Shri Vishnudeo Prasad, resident of Village- Mirjapur, Ward No.12, P.O. & P.S.- Nawada, District-Nawada (Bihar). ……… Petitioners Versus 1. The State of Jharkhand through the Secretary/Principal Secretary, School Education and Literacy Department, having Office at Project Building, Dhurwa, P.O. & P.S.-Dhurwa, Town and District- Ranchi. 2. The Director, Secondary Education, School Education and Literacy Department, having Office at M.D.I. Building, Dhurwa, P.O. & P.S.-Dhurwa, Town and District-Ranchi. 3. Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission, through its Secretary, having office at Kalinagar, Chai Bagan, Namkum, P.O. & P.S.- Namkum, Town and District-Ranchi. ……….. Respondents With W.P.(S). No. 3579 of 2025 ------ 1. Subodh Bagbai, aged about 37 years. Son of Suresh Bagbai, Resident of Village Karnatri P.O. Kurmichak P.s Godda District- Godda Jharkhand 814156. 2. Rohit Kumar Sahu, aged about 29 years, Son of Sadhu Sahu, Resident of village- Chharda, P.O. & P.S. Sisai, District - Gumla, Jharkhand-835324. 3. Jyoti Kumari, aged about 33 years, D/o - Hari Lal Ram Ravidas R/o AadiwasiTola Near Shiv Mandir, Gola, P.O- Purab Dih, P.S - Purab Dih Ramgarh, District Ramgarh, Jharkhand 829110. ……….. Petitioners. Versus 1. The State of Jharkhand. 2. The Secretary Personnel, Administrative Reforms and Rajbhasha Department, Government of Jharkhand, Nepal House, P.O. & P.S.- Doranda, District- Ranchi, Jharkhand. 3. The Secretary, School Education and Literacy Department, Government of Jharkhand, Project Building, P.O. Dhurwa, P.S.- Jagannathpur, District- Ranchi, Jharkhand. 4. The Director, Directorate of Secondary Education, School Education and Literacy Department, Government of Jharkhand, Project Building, P.O.- Dhurwa, P.S. Jagannathpur, District Ranchi, Jharkhand. 5. The Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission, having its registered office at Kali Nagar, Chai Bagan, Namkum, P.O. & P.S. Namkum, District- Ranchi, Jharkhand through its Chairman. 6. The Chairman, Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission, Kali Nagar, Chai Bagan, Namkum, P.O. & P.S.- Namkum, District- Ranchi, Jharkhand. 7. The Secretary, Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission, Kali 2026:JHHC:15385 8 Nagar, Chai Bagan, Namkum, P.O. & P.S.- Namkum, District- Ranchi, Jharkhand. 8. The Controller of Examination, Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission, Kali Nagar, Chai Bagan, Namkum, P.O. & P.S. Namkum, District- Ranchi, Jharkhand. …………. Respondents with W.P.(S). No. 4851 of 2025 ----- Ravi Kumar, aged about 32 years, son of Kamal Ram, resident of village Sandi, P.O. Sandi, P.S. Sikidiri, District - Ranchi, Jharkhand. ………….. Petitioner Versus 1. The State of Jharkhand through the Secretary, Department of School Education & Literacy, Government of Jharkhand having its office at Project Building, Dhurwa, P.O. & P.S. Dhurwa, Dist. Ranchi, Jharkhand. 2. The Director, Directorate of Secondary Education, Department of School Education & Literacy, Government of Jharkhand, having its office at Project Building, Dhurwa, P.O. & P.S. Dhurwa, Dist. Ranchi, Jharkhand. 3. The Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission, through its Chairman, having its office at Chaibagan Gali, Kali Nagar, Namkum, P.O. & P.S. Namkum, Dist. Ranchi, Jharkhand. 4. The Controller of Examination, Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission, having its office Chaibagan Gali, Kali Nagar, Namkum, P.O. & P.S. Namkum, District Ranchi. 5. The University Grants Commission, through its secretary, having its office at Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi, P.O. & P.S. New Delhi, District -New Delhi. …….. Respondents With W.P.(S). No. 5840 of 2025 ------ Shanti Priya, aged about 28 years, Daughter of Shankar Goswami, resident of Ward Number-05, P.O. Gujhandi P.S. Teliya, District - Koderma, Jharkhand. ……. Petitioner Versus 1. The State of Jharkhand through the Chief Secretary, Government of Jharkhand having its office at Project Building, Dhurwa, P.O. Dhurwa, P.S. Jagannathpur, Dist. Ranchi, Jharkhand. 2. The Secretary, Department of Personnel Administrative Reforms, and Rajbhasha, Government of Jharkhand having its office Project Bhawan, Dhurwa, P.O. Dhurwa, P.S. Jagannathpur, Dist. Ranchi, Jharkhand. 3. The Secretary, Department of School Education & Literacy, Government of Jharkhand having its office at Project Building, Dhurwa, P.O. - Dhurwa, P.S. Jagannathpur, Dist. Ranchi, 2026:JHHC:15385 9 Jharkhand. 4. The Director, Directorate of Secondary Education, Department of School Education & Literacy, Government of Jharkhand having its office at Project Building, Dhurwa, P.O. Dhurwa, P.S. Jagannathpur, Dist. Ranchi, Jharkhand. 5. The Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission, through its Secretary, having its office at Chiabagan Gali, Kali Nagar, P.O. & P.S. Namkum, Dist. -Ranchi, Jharkhand. 6. The University Grants Commission, through its secretary, having its office at Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg. New Delhi, P.O. & P.S. - New Delhi, District -New Delhi. ………. Respondents With W.P.(S). No. 5242 of 2025 ------- Subhash Kumar, aged about 39 years, Son of Jagdish Prasad Mahto, Resident of village- Barsinghi Kala, P.O.-Sapamaran, P.S.- Dhanwar, District-Giridih, Jharkhand-825412. ………. Petitioner Versus 1. The State of Jharkhand. 2. The Secretary Personnel, Administrative Reforms and Rajbhasha Department, Government of Jharkhand Nepal House, P.O. & P.S. Doranda, District- Ranchi, Jharkhand. 3. The Secretary, School Education and Literacy Department, Government of Jharkhand, Project Building, P.O.- Dhurwa, P.S. Jagannathpur, District-Ranchi, Jharkhand. 4. The Director, Directorate of Secondary Education, School Education and Literacy Department, Government of Jharkhand, Project Building, P.O. Dhurwa, P.S.-Jagannathpur, District- Ranchi, Jharkhand. 5. The Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission, having its registered office at Kali Nagar, Chai Bagan, Namkum, P.O. & P.S. Namkum, District- Ranchi, Jharkhand through its Chairman. 6. The Chairman, Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission, Kali Nagar, Chai Bagan, Namkum, P.O. & P.S.-Namkum, District- Ranchi, Jharkhand. 7. The Secretary, Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission, Kali Nagar, Chai Bagan, Namkum, P.O. & P.S.-Namkum, District- Ranchi, Jharkhand. 8. The Controller of Examination, Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission, Kali Nagar, Chai Bagan, Namkum, P.O. & P.S.- Namkum, District- Ranchi, Jharkhand. ……… Respondents With W.P.(S). No. 4305 of 2024 ----- 1. Kanchan Kumari, aged about 31 years, daughter of Shiv 2026:JHHC:15385 10 Shankar Tiwari, resident of Village Getalsud, P.O. Getalsud, P.S. Angara, District Ranchi, Jharkhand 2. Praveen Kumar, aged about 26 years, son of Lakhan Mandal, resident of Village Balidih, P.O. & P.S. Suriya, District - Giridih, Jharkhand. 3. Pratima Jyoti, aged about 37 years, daughter of Late Jyotish Prasad Singh, resident of C/o Satish Chandra Prasad, Bariarpur Basti (North), P.O. & P.S. Bariarpur, District - Munger, Bihar. 4. Smita Kumari Mishra, aged about 36 years, daughter of Suresh Mishra, resident of Village Narayanpur, P.O Narayanpur, P.S. Pratappur,District - Chatra, Jharkhand. 5. Guljabeen Nishat, aged about 25 years, daughter of Md. Samsul Hoda Ansari, resident of village Amboa, P.O. Gumla Kesipara, P.S. Gumla, District- Jharkhand. ………. Petitioners Versus 1. The State of Jharkhand through the Chief Secretary, Government of Jharkhand having its office at Project Building, Dhurwa, P.O. Dhurwa, P.S.Jagannathpur, Dist. - Ranchi, Jharkhand 2. The Secretary, Administrative Department Reforms and of Personnel, Rajbhasha, Government of Jharkhand having its office Project Dhurwa, Bhawan, Dhurwa, P.O. Jagannathpur, Dist. Ranchi, Jharkhand. P.S. 3. The Secretary, Department of School Education & Literacy, Government of Jharkhand having its office at Project Building, Dhurwa, P.O. Dhurwa, P.S. -Jagannathpur, Dist. Ranchi, Jharkhand. 4. The Director, Directorate of Secondary Education, Department of School Education & Literacy, Government of Jharkhand having its office at Project Building, Dhurwa, P.O. Dhurwa, P.S. Jagannathpur, Dist. Ranchi, Jharkhand. 5. The Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission, through its Secretary, having its office at Chiabagan Gali, Kali Nagar, P.O. & P.S. Ranchi, Jharkhand. Namkum, Dist. 6. The University Grants Commission, through its secretary, having its office at Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi, P.O. & P.S. New Delhi, Dist. New Delhi. ……….. Respondents With W.P.(S). No. 5215 of 2025 ------ Saha Purnimakumari Rajkumarprasad, aged about 34 years, Daughter of RajKumar Prasad, Resident of Pramukh Gali, Gomia P.O. & P.S-Gomia, District- Bokaro, Jharkhand. ……. Petitioner Versus 1. The State of Jharkhand through the Chief Secretary, 2026:JHHC:15385 11 Government of Jharkhand, having office at Project Building, Dhurwa, P.O-Dhurwa, P.S-Jagarnathpur, Ranchi. 2. Secretary, Department of School, Education and Literacy, having office at Project Building, Dhurwa, P.O-Dhurwa, P.S Jagarnathpur, Ranchi. 3. Director, Secondary Education, Department of School, Education and Literacy, having office at Project Building. Dhurwa, P.O-Dhurwa, P.S-Jagarnathpur, Ranchi. 4. Joint Secretary, Secondary Education, Department of School, Education and Literacy, having office at Project Building. Dhurwa, P.O-Dhurwa, P.S-Jagarnathpur, Ranchi. 5. The Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission, through its Secretary, officiating at Chaibagan Gali, Kali Nagar, P.O. and P.S. Namkum, Ranchi. 6. University of Mumbai through its Registrar, having office at Vidyanagari, Santracruz (East), P.O. - Vidyanagari, P.S. Vakola, District-Mumbai, Maharashtra - 400098. ……….. Respondents With W.P.(S). No. 1769 of 2026 ------ 1. Sudheer Kumar Yadav, aged about 27 years, son of Raghunath Yadav, resident of village Mahuatand, P.O. Jamu, P.S. Markacho, District Koderma, Jharkhand. 2. Awantika Pallavi, aged about 27 years, daughter of Vishnudeo Prasad, resident of village Mirjapur, Ward No. 12, P.O. & P.S. Nawada, Dist. Nawada, Bihar. 3. Arun Kumar Chakravarty, aged about 42 years, son of Rabindra Nath Chakravarty, resident of village Pindari, P.O. & P.S. Karmatar, District Jamtara, Jharkhand. 4. Sanjana Singh, aged about 27 years, daughter of Pradeep Singh, resident of village Lalpur, P.Ο. -Khurchutta, P.S. Begabad, Dist. Giridih Jharkhand. ……… Petitioners Versus 1. The State of Jharkhand through Secretary, Department of School Education & Literacy, Government of Jharkhand, having its office at Project Building, Dhurwa, P.O. & P.S. Dhurwa, Dist. Ranchi, Jharkhand. 2. The Director, Directorate of Secondary Education, Department of School Education & Literacy, Government of Jharkhand, having its office at Project Building, Dhurwa, P.O. & P.S. Dhurwa, Dist. Ranchi, Jharkhand. 3. The Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission, through its Secretary, having its office at Chaibagan Gali, Kali Nagar, Namukum, P.O. & P.S. Namkum, Dist. Ranchi, Jharkhand. 4. The Controller of Examination, Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission, having its office at Chaibagan Gali, Kali Nagar, Namukum, P.O. & P.S. - Namkum, Dist. Ranchi, Jharkhand. 2026:JHHC:15385 12 5. The University Grants Commission, through its secretary, having its office at Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi, P.O. & P.S. New Delhi, District New Delhi. ……. Respondents With W.P.(S). No. 4641 of 2025 ------ Kanchan Kumari, aged about 32 years, daughter of Shiv Shankar Tiwari, resident of Village Getalsud, P.O. Getalsud, P.S. - Angara, District - Ranchi, Jharkhand. ……. Petitioner Versus 1. The State of Jharkhand through Secretary, Department of School Education & Literacy, Government of Jharkhand, having its office at Project Building, Dhurwa, P.O. & P.S. Dhurwa, Dist. Ranchi, Jharkhand. 2. The Director, Directorate of Secondary Education, Department of School Education & Literacy, Government of Jharkhand, having its office at Project Building, Dhurwa, P.O. & P.S. Dhurwa, Dist. Ranchi, Jharkhand. 3. The Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission, through its Secretary, having its office at Chaibagan Gali, Kali Nagar, Namukum, P.O. & P.S. Namkum, Dist. Ranchi, Jharkhand. 4. The University Grants Commission, through its secretary, having its office at Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi, P.O. & P.S. New Delhi, District New Delhi. ……. Respondents ---------- CORAM: HON’BLE MR. JUSTICE DEEPAK ROSHAN ----------- For the Petitioners :M/s. Shrestha Gautam, Amritansh Vats, Chanchal Jain, Shubhashis Rasik Soren, Mukesh Kr. Sinha, Shivam Anand Pathak, Yogendra Yadav, Rahul Anand, Padmanav Shahdeo, Prashant Jha, Abhijeet Indrawar, Abhishek Kumar, Arpan M. Ekka, Advocates For the State : Mr. Munna Lal Yadav, SC(L&C)-III Mr. Navneet Toppo, AC to GP-I Mr. Rakesh Kr. Roy, AC to GA-III Mr. Shubham Gautam, AC to AAG-V Mr. Sonal Tiwary, AC to AG Mr. Ritesh Ranjan, Advocate For the JSSC : M/s. Sanjoy Piprawall, Prince Kumar, Rakesh Ranjan, Jay Prakash, Bhawesh Kumar, Advocates For the UGC : Mr. Atanu Banerjee, Advocate Mr. Debopriya Pal, Advocate Mr. Navneet Kumar Dhan, Advocate ---------- 2026:JHHC:15385 13 C.A.V. on 30.04.2026 Pronounced on: 15.05.2026 1. Heard learned counsel for the parties. 2. I.A No. 3248 of 2026 has been filed in W.P(S) No 5215 of 2025 for amending para-1 and prayer portion of writ petition for adding one additional prayer i.e. for quashing of Notice No 288, dated 10.02.2026; whereby, the candidature of petitioner has been rejected. 3. There is no objection from the contesting respondents; accordingly, I.A No. 3248 of 2026 stands allowed and the same is being treated as part of this writ petition. 4. Since common issue is involved in all these writ petitions; as such, with consent of the parties, all were heard together and are being disposed of by this common judgment. For brevity, the facts of W.P(S) No 4210 of 2024 is being referred. 5. The present set of writ petitions have been filed challenging the validity of letter contained in letter number 1584 dated 12.6.2024 (Annexure 12); whereby in light of the letter issued by the University Grants Commission, the State authorities have acceded to accept the dual degree courses from 13.4.2022 prospectively and negated the benefits flowing from the guidelines issued by the UGC retrospectively. 2026:JHHC:15385 14 A further prayer has been made with regards to appointment of the petitioner on the post of “Post Graduate Trained Teacher” in furtherance to advertisement no. 02/2023. An ancillary prayer has also been made to hold and declare that two academic degrees in the same academic year, one through a regular mode and the other through a distance education mode shall not be a bar for the purpose of appointment. Facts of the case 6. The Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (in short JSSC) had published an advertisement contained in advertisement number 02/2023 (Annexeure-1) for the post of Post graduate Trained Teacher in different subjects in the State of Jharkhand. 7. Petitioners being eligible candidates applied for the same and were also issued admit cards for appearing in examination. 8. In the final list so prepared by the respondent JSSC in furtherance to the examination, the petitioners were declared successful. (Annexure – 3). 9. In terms of the advertisement petitioners and other similarly situated candidates were called for the purposes of document verification; wherein the petitioners and other similarly situated persons produced the required 2026:JHHC:15385 15 documents/certificates. 10. So far as the facts of each case are concerned; the qualification of the petitioners is extracted and produced in a tabular form: W.P.(S). No. Petitioner’s Name Session for B.Ed. Session for Master 4210/2024 Puja Singh 2015-17 2016-18 4305/2024 Kanchan Kumari 2014-15 2013-14 Praveen Kumar 2019-21 2019-21 Pratima Jyoti 2008-09 2008-10 Smita Kumari Mishra 2019-21 2020-22 Guljabeen Nishat 2020-22 2019-21 4641/2025 Kanchan Kumari 2014-15 2013-14 5156/2024 Rupesh Lal Bhagat Integrated M.Sc. B.Ed. - 2018-21 3473/2025 Ajay Kumar Choudhary 2012-14 2013-15 3579/2025 Subodh Bagbai 2011 2011 Rohit Kumar Sahu 2019 2020 Jyoti Kumari 2017-19 2018-19 4851/2025 Ravi Kumar 2016-18 2017-19 5840/2025 Shanti Priya 2020-23 2019-20 4354/2024 Rajaram Yadav 2019-21 2020-22 4514/2024 Suman Samir Kindo 2017-19 2016-18 Sudheer Kumar Yadav 2018-20 2018-20 Rahul Raj 2017-19 2016-18 Arun Kumar Chakravarty 2010-12 2011-13 Sanjana Singh 2018-20 2018-20 Awantika Pallavi 2020-22 2019-22 1769/2026 Sudheer Kumar Yadav 2018-20 2018-20 Awantika Pallavi 2020-22 2019-22 Arun Kumar Chakravarty 2010-12 2011-13 Sanjana Singh 2018-20 2018-20 5666/2025 Ranjana Kumari 2020-22 2019-20 5984/2025 Kamlesh 2020-21 2019-22 5215/2025 Saha PurnimaKumari RajkumarPrasad 2013-14 2012-15 553/2025 Manoj Kumar 2010-11 2011-13 4420/2025 Vivekanand Pandey 2016-2018 2016-2020 5414 of 2025 Akash Kumar Saw 2011-12 2011-13 5242 of 2025 Subhash Kumar 2010-11 2010-12 11. From bare perusal of the aforesaid chart, it is clear that the petitioners have pursued two courses in parallel session. But it is pertinent to mention that the 2026:JHHC:15385 16 courses so undergone were one in form of a distance education and the other in form of a regular student. 12. So far as writ petitioner in W.P.(S) No 5215/2025 is concerned; she took admission in M.Com (Part-1) in the year 2012 in University of Mumbai, and after completing her first part, she took admission in B.Ed. and has completed her B.Ed. course in the year 2014 from University of Mumbai, thereafter, she again took admission in Part -2 of M.Com and has completed her master in year 2015. She took break in her master in light of Circular issued by the University of Mumbai being Circular No. UG/15 of 2012 (Anneuxre-10) wherein, Regulation No 8501 provides that student can take break in their master course for studying another course after taking NOC from concerned College, which was done in her case which is evident from certificate date 18.3.2024 (Annexure-5). 13. So far as writ petitioner in W.P.(S) No. 553/2025 is concerned, the candidature of the petitioner on the post of Post Graduate Trained Teacher in Geography subject has been rejected on a wrongful pretext that the petitioner has obtained two degree in the same academic session explicitly M.A. Degree (Session 2011-2013) in distance education mode and B.Ed. Degree (Session 2026:JHHC:15385 17 2012) in regular mode; whereas the fact remains that the petitioner has pursued the B.Ed. course in the Session 2010-11 and has appeared and passed the examination in the year 2012 and has not actually pursued the B.Ed. course in the year 2012, which would be evident from Annexure – 2/1, as also the respondent JSSC has failed to consider that two academic degrees in the same academic year, where one is through regular mode and the other one through distance education mode is not barred by the University Grants Commission. 14. After submission of the documents (Annexure-4), a show cause notice dated 28.5.2024 was issued to the petitioner on the ground that petitioner had submitted certificates wherein the period of education for the purposes of M. Com and B.Ed. are common (Annexure- 5). 15. The petitioner in reply to the said show cause notice gave a detailed reply vide letter dated 31.5.2024 (Annexure-6) stating therein that there is no bar to pursue education in a common year through distance education and one through regular course and as such the candidature of the petitioner is required to be accepted. 2026:JHHC:15385 18 16. The petitioner had also relied upon various circulars issued by the University Grant Commission wherein the issue of two degrees was recognized and also held to be at par with regular degree course. 17. The respondent JSSC issued a list of successful candidates on 19.6.2024 wherein the names/ roll numbers of the petitioners were missing (Annexure- 7). 18. Being aggrieved, writ application was filed by the petitioner bearing W.P.(S).No. 4210 of 2024 on the following grounds. Stand of the Petitioners 19. The Parliament had enacted the University Grants Commission Act, 1956 to make provisions for the purposes of coordination and determination of standards in university and for that purpose established the University Grants Commission. 20. Section 12 of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956 provides for the functions of the commission. Section 12 which enumerates the function of commission provides that it shall be the general duty of the commission to take steps, in consultation with the universities and other bodies; all such steps as it may think fit for promotion and coordination of university education and for determination and maintenance of 2026:JHHC:15385 19 standard of teaching, examination and research in university. 21. In terms of the said powers, the University Grants Commission way back in the year 2012 had formed an expert committee to look into the issue of pursuing more than one degree simultaneously from the same university or different universities either through distance mode or regular mode. 22. The committee in its meeting dated 29 October, 2012 had taken a decision to allow pursuing two degrees programmed under regular mode, and open and distance mode was acceded. The said Expert’s Committee’s opinion was also communicated to the various universities for their opinion (Annexure-8). 23. In furtherance to the said exercise, in the 494th meeting of the University Grants Commission held on 31st July 2013, the decision of the Experts Committee in regard to dual degree in one common academic year was accorded approval vide agenda number 2.03 (Annexure- 9) which is being quoted hereunder: “2.03. To consider the report of UGC Expert Committee on the issue of following students to pursue two or more degrees simultaneously on regular/ distance/ private/ online/ part-time basis. Approved.” 24. In furtherance to the said exercise, regulation was also framed by the University Grants Commission 2026:JHHC:15385 20 namely University Grants Commission (Open and Distance Learning Programme and Online Programes) Regulations, 2020 wherein under regulation 22, it was mandated that the degrees so provided through Open and Distance learning mode shall be recognized by the Commission and also required to be treated as equivalent to corresponding award of degrees at undergraduate and postgraduate level. 25. Again, the University Grants Commission held a meeting in the 546th meeting dated 14 May, 2020 wherein again this issue of grant of two degrees one through distance mode and other through the Regular mode was considered and accorded approval vide agenda number 2.13 (Annexure- 11). 26. Yet again the University Grants Commission had issued a guideline under Section 12 of the University Grants Commission Act for pursuing two academic programmes simultaneously on April 2022 wherein again this issue was set at rest. But in the said guidelines under point no.5, it was also provided that the same would be effective prospectively and no retrospective benefit can be claimed by students who have already done to academic program simultaneously prior to notification of these guidelines. 2026:JHHC:15385 21 27. The said guidelines were also circulated to the various government institutions vide letter dated 20th November, 2024. 28. The State Government in terms of the said letter issued by the University Grants Commission gave a clarification vide letter number 1584 dated 12.6.2024 [(Annexure-12-i.e. Impugned order)] and passed a direction to the JSSC that from 13.4.2022 two separate degrees granted in the same very academic year shall be allowed but prospectively. 29. However, the University Grants Commission had also issued a partial modification order dated 5th June 2025 (Annexure-14) stating therein that the earlier existing provision which was provided in point number five of the Guideline sof the year 2022 which provided that the same would be applicable prospectively stands modified in terms of the minutes of the meeting dated 3rd April, 2025. It was clarified as under: “Provided that the two academic programmes, pursued simultaneously, before issuing of these guidelines, in accordance with UGC First Degree and Master Degree Regulations, statutes/ordinances of the university/universities concerned and by following the norms prescribed by the statutory professional council(s) and Distance Education Council/Distance Education Bureau of the UGC, wherever applicable, shall be treated as valid.” It was further provided therein that the universities and their affiliated college/institutions are requested to implement these guidelines for the benefit of students. 2026:JHHC:15385 22 30. As such, the issue was given a quietus by virtue of the clarification issued by the University Grants Commission. Interestingly, the State Government very conveniently ignored the clarification which provided that the same would be applicable retrospectively and all such students who have pursued two degrees simultaneously in an academic year stands recognized by the University Grant Commission and as such the State Government is bound by the same. Stand of the JSSC 31. The JSSC had appeared and contested the matter on the ground that if in this case relaxation is granted to the petitioners with regard to their degree having been pursued in one calendar year; then the same would amount to changing of the rule of the game which is de hors the settled principle of law. Stand of the State Government 32. The State Government had relied upon the Guidelines issued by the University Grant commission in the year 2022 to submit that the same is applicable prospectively and cannot be allowed to be taken shelter off by the petitioners who have admittedly pursued the two degrees prior to coming into effect of the University Grants Commission Guidelines. 2026:JHHC:15385 23 Stand of the University Grants Commission 33. The University Grants Commissions has filed an affidavit in one of the connected matters i.e. W.P.S. 4641 of 2025 and have supported the case of the petitioners and further clarified that the clarification/modification issued on 5th June, 2025 (Annexure-14), specifically provides that two degrees pursued simultaneously in one academic year prior to 2022 shall also be valid and is required to be taken note of. Analysis 34. The guidelines so issued by the University Grants Commission under Section 12 of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956 are binding in nature and in terms of the same; the two degrees pursued in one academic year are required to be taken note of. 35. The issue of binding nature of guidelines fell for adjudication before the Hon’ble Supreme Court in the case of Praneeth K. vs. UGC, reported in (2021) 14 SCC 241 wherein the following questions of laws were framed: “53.1. (1) Whether the revised Guidelines dated 6-7-2020 requiring the universities to complete terminal semester/final year examination by 30-9-2020 is beyond the domain of UGC and does not relate to “coordination and determination of standards in institution of higher education”? 53.2. (2) Whether the revised Guidelines dated 6-7-2020 issued by UGC are non-statutory, advisory only and contrary to earlier Guidelines dated 29-4-2020? 53.5. (5) Whether the guidelines of UGC dated 6-7-2020 are liable to be set aside on the ground of non-compliance of Section 12 of the UGC Act, 1956?” 2026:JHHC:15385 24 36. Answering to the aforesaid issue, the Hon’ble Supreme Court held at paragraph 85 and 86 as under: “85. We have to look into the substance of the Guidelines and find out the intent and object of the Guidelines. The Guidelines were issued with the object that a uniform academic calendar be followed by all the universities and final terminal semester/final year examinations be held. With regard to intermediate semester/year examination, the earlier UGC Guidelines dated 29-4-2020 have been continued even in the Revised Guidelines dated 6-7-2020. We, thus, do not accept the submission of the petitioners that the Guidelines dated 6-7-2020 are contrary to the earlier Guidelines. 86. Now, coming to the first part of the issue that the Guidelines are non- statutory and advisory only, it is the case of both the parties that Guidelines have been issued by UGC in exercise of power under Section 12. Section 12 of the Act provides that it shall be the general duty of the Commission to take all such steps as it may think fit for the promotion and coordination of university education and for the determination and maintenance of standards of teaching, examination and research in universities. The words “all such steps” are of wide import. The steps referred to in Section 12 may include issuance of guidelines, directions, circulars, etc. The Guidelines dated 6-7-2020 have to be treated to have been issued in exercise of statutory powers vested in the Commission under Section 12. Guidelines issued in exercise of statutory powers, thus, cannot be said to be non-statutory.” 37. The Hon’ble Supreme Court had taken note of the entries made in List-I of the Constitution of India specifically entry number 66 which empowered the Union to establish the University Grants Commission and exercising such powers the University Grants Commission Act, 1956 was formulated. The Hon’ble Apex Court had also taken note of the entry made in List-III that is entry number 25 which empowers the State Government to create laws with regards to education. The Hon’ble apex court after considering the Constitutional Bench judgement in the case of Gujarat University versus Shri Krishna Ranganath Mudholkar reported in 1962 SCC Online SC 146 had held that in case of any overlapping, the power conferred 2026:JHHC:15385 25 by Item 66 of List -I must prevail over the power of the State. The Hon’ble Supreme Court had also taken note of another judgement of the Constitution Bench in the case of Preeti Srivastava versus State of M.P. reported in (1999) 7 SCC 120 wherein the words standard of education was taken note of and also expounded upon. 38. As a result of the aforesaid judgments of the Hon’ble Supreme Court, the guidelines so issued by the University Grants Commission in exercise of power under Section-12 of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956 are binding in nature. 39. Further, the Guidelines so issued being beneficial in nature are required to be interpreted in a holistic manner in order to be more inclusive in nature and also in benefit of the beneficiary. In cases of interpretation of a beneficial piece of legislation, it is a settled proposition of law, that while interpreting the said provisions in case of two views; the view that is in favour of the beneficiary is required to be take a note of. 40. During course of hearing, a specific query was made by this Court to the effect that whether there is any provision which negates or curtails a candidate to pursue two courses at the same time; one through Regular Course and another through Distant Education; to which 2026:JHHC:15385 26 no regulation could be placed before this Court and the Respondents failed to show any such bar. 41. The Hon’ble Supreme Court in the case of Kuldip Kumar Pathak versus State of U.P. and others reported in (2016) 3 SCC 521 had held that if there is no regulation to the effect that a candidate cannot pursue two courses in the same time, then such a ground cannot be taken by the authorities. 42. Further, the Division Bench of this Court in L.P.A. no. 352 of 2025 vide its judgment dated 17.2.2026 with regards to appointment being made by the State of Jharkhand had made the following observations: “14…. As a matter of fact, when we made a query to the counsel for the appellant as to whether there exists any rule prohibiting a candidate from enhancing her degree or educational qualification while serving as a Para Teacher, the learned counsel for the appellant could not answer the query, and virtually admitted that there is no such rule.” 43. Similar issue fell for adjudication before the Himachal Pradesh High Court in CWP No. 610 of 2025 wherein taking note of the judgment of the Hon’ble Supreme Court in the case of Kuldip Kumar Pathak (supra), the Court had allowed the writ application filed by a similarly situated candidate whose eligibility was being denied on the ground that he has pursued two degrees in one calendar year. In the said judgement it was also held at paragraph 4 (iv) that once a degree has 2026:JHHC:15385 27 been obtained by the petitioner, the same cannot be held to be invalidated by virtue of State’s action. 44. Further, the rules which governs the appointment process that is the Recruitment Rules of the year 2012 also does not negate a candidature on the basis of two degrees attended in one calendar year. 45. As a matter of fact, Section 22 of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956 specifically mandates that in case a degree has been conferred, then the same cannot be challenged; unless and until the degrees are said to be invalid. 46. Having regard to the aforesaid discussions; all these writ applications of the respective petitioners are allowed and the impugned Letter No. 1584 dated 12.06.2024 in WPS Nos. 4210 of 2023, 3579 of 2025, 5414 of 2025, 3473 of 2025, 5242 of 2025; and so far as the petitioner(s) are concerned in Notice dated 10.02.2026 in WP(S) No. 1769 of 2026; Letter dated 16.07.2025 in WP(S) No. 5984 of 2025; Letters dated 22.08.2025 and 29.05.2025 in WP(S) No. 5215 of 2025; Letter dated 16.07.2025 and Letter dated 28.05.2024 in WP(S) No. 5840 of 2025; Document No. 2342 dated 15.08.2024 in WP(S) No. 553 of 2025; Show-cause Notice dated 02.05.2025 in WP(S) No. 4641 of 2025; Letter No. 2402 2026:JHHC:15385 28 dated 16.07.2025 in WP(S) No. 5666 of 2025, are, hereby, quashed and set aside. The Respondent-JSSC is directed to recommend the case of each petitioner for appointment to the State Government; who in turn shall issue appointment letters. 47. Accordingly, all these writ applications stand allowed. Pending I.As if any also stands disposed of. (Deepak Roshan, J.) 15.05. 2026 Amardeep/- AFR Uploaded on 27.05.2026