Delhi HC Questions NHAI’s Use of CLAT PG Scores in Lawyer Recruitment
The Delhi High Court has raised strong doubts over the National Highways Authority of India’s (NHAI) decision to use CLAT PG scores as a criterion for recruiting lawyers.
A Division Bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela was hearing a petition filed by advocate Shannu Baghel, who has challenged NHAI’s August 11, 2025 notification for hiring 44 Young Professional (Legal) candidates. The notification makes CLAT PG scores from 2022 onwards a part of the selection process.
The judges observed that CLAT PG is meant to test a candidate’s merit for higher studies like LL.M, not for jobs in public sector undertakings. “How can an exam designed for admissions be used for professional recruitment? LLB is the basic eligibility for such posts,” the Bench remarked.
The Court further said that the notification may violate Article 16 of the Constitution, which guarantees equal opportunity in public employment. The Chief Justice even suggested that NHAI should hold its own exam, adding that the Delhi High Court Bar Association could conduct it free of cost.
NHAI’s counsel, Advocate Ankur Mittal, clarified that CLAT scores are not the sole criterion, and factors like arbitration experience and personal interviews would also be considered.
The petitioner argued that restricting recruitment only to candidates who appeared for CLAT PG from 2022 onwards is arbitrary and unfair, excluding fresh law graduates, practicing advocates, and those who took CLAT in earlier years. This, he said, violates Articles 14, 16 and 21 of the Constitution.
The matter will next be heard on September 8, 2025.
