This writ petition has been filed seeking direction to the first
respondent to initiate the process for direct recruitment to the post of Associate Professor in the Government Law Colleges.
On perusal of the additional affidavit filed by the third respondent, it is stated that 15 Government Law Colleges are functioning in the State of Tamil Nadu. Upto the year 2018, for the Government Law Colleges, the total sanctioned post of Associate Professors are 17 and all posts are vacant. As on date, the total sanctioned posts are 20 and 19 posts are vacant. Out of 9 Associate Professors (upgraded), 9 persons are working. When this Court asked the learned Government Advocate appearing for the State Government, he submits that the sanctioned posts of Assistant Professors are 206 and out of that sanctioned strength, 136 persons are working as Assistant Professors and as on date, 70 posts of Assistant Professors are vacant.
It is very strange and unfortunate to note the particulars of vacant posts lying in the Government Law Colleges in the State of Tamil Nadu. Without filling the sanctioned posts of Assistant and Associate Professors on permanent basis with qualified candidates, no one can expect proper legal education is being imparted to the students studying in those Government Law Colleges. This leads to destroy the future generation, who are interested to enter into this noble profession. Under these circumstances, this Court is taking serious note of this issue. If the State Government is not in a position to appoint teaching faculty on permanent basis in the sanctioned posts of Associate and Assistant Professors, it is better to close down all the Government Law Colleges in the State, instead of running the Law Colleges without proper qualified staff. Without appointing qualified persons in sanctioned vacant posts and appointing Guest Lecturers to teach the Law students would seriously spoil the career of the students which is not acceptable.
This Court will pass appropriate orders on this aspect on the next date of hearing, after hearing the Law Secretary of the State Government i.e., the Respondent No.1 herein in person.
Accordingly, the Respondent No.1 i.e., the Secretary to the Government, Law Department is directed to appear before this Court in person on the next date of hearing i.e., on 15.10.2024 to submit the course of action plan to be undertaken in time frame to fill all vacancies of Associate Professors and Assistant Professors in Government Law Colleges.
List the case on 15.10.2024. 30.09.2024 vm BATTU DEVANAND, J. vm W.P.No.6856 of 2018 30.09.2024 W.P.No.6856 of 2018
