$~86 * IN THE HIGH COURT OF DELHI AT NEW DELHI + W.P.(C) 4283/2026 & CM APPL. 20882/2026 DR. VIKAS BAJPAI .....Petitioner Through: Ms. Shreya Munoth, Advocate. versus JAWAHARLAL NEHRU UNIVERSITY & ORS. .....Respondents Through: Mr. Vasanth Rajasekaran, Senior Standing Counsel with Mr. Karan Prakash, Mr. Harshvardhan Korada, Ms. Deepshikha Kumar and Mr. Om Bali, Advocates for R-1. CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SANJEEV NARULA O R D E R % 08.04.2026 1. The Petitioner has been provisionally shortlisted for the post of Professor (Unreserved), Centre for Social Medicine and Community Health which was advertised by Jawaharlal Nehru University1 by advertisement No. RC/73/2025 in July, 2025. 2. The limited grievance of the Petitioner is that, despite being provisionally shortlisted for the said post and notwithstanding the lapse of more than four months from the last date for receipt of representations from non-shortlisted candidates (i.e., 2nd November, 2025), the Respondent- University has neither released the final list of shortlisted candidates nor communicated any schedule regarding the interview for the said post. 1 “JNU” This is a digitally signed order. The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 09/04/2026 at 13:14:08 3. It is emphasised that, as per the express terms of the advertisement, the selection for the post is to be based on the performance of candidates in the interview to be conducted by a duly constituted Selection Committee, and the delay in finalising the shortlist has consequently stalled the next stage of the process. 4. Ms. Shreya Munoth, counsel for the Petitioner, states that representations were also made to the University seeking expeditious completion of the process; however, no action has been taken. Aggrieved thereby, the present petition has been filed seeking a writ of mandamus directing the Respondents to conclude the selection process within a time- bound manner. 5. Ms. Munoth, further submits that, having regard to past instances, the Petitioner apprehends that the Respondents may not adhere to the applicable UGC Regulations and minimum qualifications in conducting the said process, and accordingly seeks appropriate directions to ensure that the selection is carried out strictly in accordance with law. 6. On the previous date, considering the limited nature of relief sought, this Court, instead of calling for a counter affidavit, directed counsel for Respondent No. 1 to obtain instructions regarding the timeline for completion of the selection process. 7. In terms of the said directions, Mr. Karan Prakash, counsel for Respondent No. 1, on instructions, submits that no specific timeline can presently be indicated, as the subject experts required to be part of the Selection Committee are not available. He, however, submits that efforts shall be made to conclude the selection process within the month of April. 8. Insofar as the prayer seeking directions for compliance with UGC This is a digitally signed order. The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 09/04/2026 at 13:14:08 Regulations is concerned, this Court is of the view that, at this stage, no adjudication is warranted. The said contention is premised on mere apprehension and would, in any event, require a detailed examination of facts, including a counter affidavit, in relation to a process which is yet to be concluded. It is, however, observed that the selection process pursuant to the advertisement shall be conducted in accordance with law. 9. In view of the above, the present writ petition is disposed of with a direction to the Respondents to conclude the selection process expeditiously and, preferably, within a period of six weeks from today. 10. Pending applications, if any, also stands disposed of. SANJEEV NARULA, J APRIL 8, 2026 as This is a digitally signed order. The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 09/04/2026 at 13:14:08