SC relief for Punjab govt in 1,158 assistant professors and librarians recruitment case
PTC Web Desk: In a significant development, the Punjab Government has secured relief from the Supreme Court in the ongoing case regarding the recruitment of 1,158 assistant professors and librarians. The apex court accepted the state government’s plea, allowing the continuation of these appointments until fresh recruitments are completed.
Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains shared the update on his social media account, stating that the decision would ensure continuity of education for students in government colleges.
The Punjab Government is also in the process of filing a review petition to safeguard these recruitments and present its case before the court.
The case
On July 24, 2024, the Supreme Court had cancelled the recruitment of 1,158 assistant professors, many of whom had already been teaching in various institutions for years. The verdict not only put their careers in jeopardy but also raised concerns about uninterrupted education for college students. Following this, the Punjab Government filed a petition before the Supreme Court, requesting permission to retain these teachers until new recruitment is carried out. According to the Education Minister, the Supreme Court has now granted this request.
Big Relief for Higher Education of Punjab :
Hon’ble Supreme Court has allowed Punjab Govt’s request to let 1158 Assistant Professors & Librarians continue in Govt Colleges till new recruitment.
This ensures continuity of education for our students in government colleges.… pic.twitter.com/6nHNPol6BN — Harjot Singh Bains (@harjotbains) August 18, 2025
The recruitment has been under judicial scrutiny for years. In August 2021, the Punjab and Haryana High Court quashed the recruitment process, citing irregularities and violation of norms. Several candidates had challenged the selection process, questioning its transparency and adherence to recruitment rules.
Out of the total, 484 candidates had already joined but were left without postings or salaries due to the legal hurdles. The government subsequently approached a double bench of the High Court, which ruled in its favour.
However, in September 2024, the Punjab and Haryana High Court’s double bench gave its approval to cancel the recruitment, after which the petitioners approached the Supreme Court.
- PTC NEWS
