Punjab govt files review petition in Supreme Court over cancellation of 1,158 assistant professor appointments
PTC Web Desk: The Punjab Government has filed a review petition in the Supreme Court against the cancellation of recruitment for 1,158 Assistant Professors in state government colleges. In its petition, the government has urged the apex court to allow these assistant professors and librarians to continue serving on a temporary basis until a fresh recruitment process is completed. Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains confirmed that the state has sought relief in the interest of students studying in government colleges.
“We have urged the Supreme Court to allow 1,158 assistant professors and librarians to remain in their posts for the time being. Meanwhile, the state is also exploring all other possible legal remedies,” Bains stated.
Punjab Govt has moved the Hon’ble Supreme Court seeking modification of its 14 July 2025 orders — requesting that 1158 Assistant Professors and Librarians be allowed to continue for the time being in the interest of students in our govt colleges. Meanwhile, State is also… — Harjot Singh Bains (@harjotbains) August 11, 2025
About the case
In August 2022, the Punjab and Haryana High Court had quashed the recruitment of 1,158 Assistant Professors, ruling that due process was not followed during the selection process. The recruitment drive had been challenged by several petitioners, who raised questions over compliance with the recruitment rules.
Of those selected, 484 candidates had already joined but were not allotted postings and had not received salaries. Following the Single Bench verdict, the Punjab Government appealed to a Division Bench, arguing that the recruitment process was conducted lawfully. The Division Bench later ruled in the government’s favour.
However, the opposing party challenged this verdict in the Supreme Court, which on July 14, 2025, decided against the Punjab Government.
The state argued before the court that there was an acute shortage of professors in government colleges, which was adversely affecting students’ academic prospects. The government pleaded that the recruitment should not be nullified and that it should be allowed to complete the process to address faculty shortages.
- With inputs from agencies
