MSc Organic Chemistry Same As MSc Chemistry Rules High Court

Division bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice R P Nagrath of the Punjab and Haryana high court has held that MSc ( organic chemistry) and MSc (chemistry) are the same course and candidates possessing the degree of MSC (organic chemistry) are equally eligible for the job where MSC (chemistry) is essential qualification for appointment. The Division made the observation while setting aside the an order passed by single bench of the HC on April 26 this year, which refused to consider the degrees equivalent.

The Petitioner, Anju Kumari of Mohindergarh district in Haryana, had sought the relief from the HC against rejection of her application by the Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC), which had advertised some posts of Chemistry Lecturer (school cadre) in 2009, in which MSc (chemistry) was fixed as essential qualification for eligibility. The Petitioner had completed MSc (organic chemistry) in 2001 in first division from University of Pune. Anju’s application was rejected by the HPSC on the grounds that she possesses MSc (organic chemistry) and not is MSc in chemistry, however though she was satisfying other criteria specified for the position.

However, her petition was dismissed by a single bench of Justice Augustine George Masih on the grounds that she failed to produce document showing that university in Haryana has recognized or equated the degree of MSc (organic chemistry) and MSc (chemistry).

Aggrieved, when she approached the division bench of the HC, the court ordered to constitute a panel and asked them for expert opinion.

Thereafter, an expert committee headed by professor and head of the department of chemistry, Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU), Rohtak, recommended that MSc (organic chemistry) of University of Pune is equivalent to MSc (chemistry) of Haryana state universities and only the nomenclature of degree is different, but substance is same.

After considering the recommendations of the committee, bench held that MSc (organic chemistry) and MSc (chemistry) are equivalent and petitioner is eligible to apply with the current degree.

Importantly, the directions have large implications because any case with similar facts can now ask the state governments for setting up an expert committee for clarifications.