Delhi HC Questions NHAI Over Use of CLAT PG Scores for Lawyer Recruitment

The Delhi High Court has questioned the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for making CLAT PG scores a criterion for recruiting its lawyers.

A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by advocate Shannu Baghel challenged NHAI’s August 11, 2025 notification, which invited applications for 44 Young Professional (Legal) posts. The notification stated that selection would be based on scores obtained in CLAT PG 2022 onwards, along with experience in arbitration and a personal interview.

A Bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela remarked that the CLAT PG exam is meant to test merit for higher studies like LL.M admissions, not for public employment. The judges said relying on such an exam for professional recruitment could violate Article 16 of the Constitution, which guarantees equal opportunity in public jobs.

“LL.B is the eligibility. This is public employment. How can this exam be a qualification? Conduct your own exam,” the Chief Justice suggested.

The petitioner argued that the notification unfairly excludes fresh law graduates, practicing advocates, and those who appeared for CLAT PG before 2022. He called the move arbitrary, unreasonable, and discriminatory, violating Articles 14, 16, and 21 of the Constitution.

The matter will be heard again on September 8, 2025.