Indian Kanoon - Search engine for Indian Law

4.1. On self-evaluation she has claimed in the rejoinder affidavit filed in the writ proceeding as follows:

―The petitioner has challenged the non-selection of her candidature being a National Sportsperson recognised by Government of Odisha bearing PPSAN No.00078767 having scored 102 API Score as per the UGC Guideline followed by Table 3A Annexure herewith Advertisement No.08 of 2020-21 OPSC, Assistant Professor, Sociology for State Universities.‖ 4.2. She has, hence, claimed by way of the written note of arguments dated 16.04.2024 before this Court that being a meritorious outstanding Sportsperson and having valid sports identity card to claim 1% reservation under the "Sports quota" and having highest Academic Performance Indicator Score (API), she was shortlisted and selected for the post of Assistant Professor in Development Studies and Sociology twice under exceptional category. She participated in the interview twice in competitive examinations, but to no avail in securing the desired job, which post fell in Group-A category.

4.8. It is submitted by Dr. Archana Kanungo that out of fifteen posts advertised for the post of Assistant Professor of Sociology, twelve names were recommended by the OPSC and as a result of which three posts remained vacant. By virtue of interim Order dated 22.03.2023 passed in W.P.(C) No.7280 of 2023 that "As an interim measure, it is directed that one post of Assistant Professor of Sociology pursuant to Advertisement under Annexure-1 shall not be filled up, if the same has not been filled up in the meantime", one post has been kept vacant. Since her API score was the highest, she was shortlisted and called for the interview. Though she participated in said interview and did well, her name was not recommended for appointment to the said post. It is the bone of contention of Dr. Kanungo that she, being Sportsperson having valid Identity card, should have been given opportunity to join in the service of University.

7.1. It is abundantly clear from minute reading of said method that though API score is relevant for shortlisting candidates for attending interview, the selection is to be made based "only on performance in interview". The use of the word "only" in the expression "selection shall be based only on performance in interview" has significance.

7.2. The meaning of the word "only" has been given in Webster's Universal College Dictionary, 1997 Edition as: