The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced an extension to the application deadline for its recruitment of legal professionals, following scrutiny from the Delhi High Court. This decision comes amidst discussions regarding the use of CLAT-PG scores as a criterion for hiring lawyers within the organisation. The bench of the High Court highlighted that the CLAT-PG examination was primarily designed to evaluate candidates’ suitability for advanced legal studies rather than for securing employment in public sectors such as the NHAI.
The NHAI’s recruitment process had initially included a stipulation that candidates must possess a valid CLAT-PG score to be considered for legal positions. However, the court’s observations have prompted the authority to reconsider this requirement. The bench stated that relying on CLAT-PG scores for public employment could be misaligned with the exam’s original purpose, which is to assess the academic merit of candidates intending to pursue postgraduate legal education.
In light of the court’s comments, the NHAI has decided to extend the application deadline, allowing prospective candidates additional time to apply for the positions without the pressure of the CLAT-PG score requirement. This move is seen as a positive step towards making the recruitment process more inclusive and accessible for candidates who may not have taken the CLAT-PG examination but possess the necessary qualifications and experience in the legal field.
The recruitment of legal professionals by the NHAI is crucial, given the important role that legal expertise plays in the functioning of infrastructure projects and the management of legal affairs pertaining to national highways. Legal professionals are required to navigate complex regulatory frameworks, handle disputes, and provide guidance on compliance with various laws and regulations. Therefore, the ability to attract a diverse pool of candidates with relevant experience and skills is essential for the NHAI.
The extension of the application deadline is expected to broaden the candidate base, allowing more individuals to apply without the constraint of meeting the CLAT-PG score requirement. This change is likely to encourage applications from seasoned legal practitioners who may not have pursued the CLAT-PG examination but have significant experience in public law, administrative law, or infrastructure law.
Moreover, this decision by the NHAI aligns with ongoing discussions in the legal education community about the relevance and utility of standardised testing in assessing candidates for specific job roles. Critics of the reliance on exams like the CLAT-PG argue that such assessments do not always accurately reflect a candidate’s practical skills or their ability to perform in a professional environment. Instead, they advocate for a more holistic approach to recruitment that considers a candidate’s overall experience, skills, and contributions to the legal field.
The NHAI’s decision to review its hiring criteria in light of the High Court’s observations could set a precedent for other public sector organisations that utilise similar standardised tests for recruitment purposes. As the legal landscape continues to evolve, it is becoming increasingly important for hiring practices to adapt to the realities of the profession and the diverse backgrounds of potential candidates.
As the new application deadline approaches, many legal professionals are likely to take advantage of this opportunity to apply for positions within the NHAI. The authority’s willingness to reconsider the role of CLAT-PG scores in its recruitment process reflects a growing recognition of the need for flexibility in hiring practices, particularly in fields where practical experience and specialised knowledge are paramount. This shift could lead to a more equitable recruitment process, ultimately enriching the legal workforce within the NHAI and enhancing its capacity to manage the legal complexities associated with national infrastructure projects.
