AIROnline 2025 SC 175

Supreme Court Of India

(From : 2023 (4) AJR 307 (JHA))

Hon'ble Judge(s): Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta , JJ

Food Safety and Standards Act (34 of 2006) , S.37, S.91(2)(b), Cl.2.1.3— Appointment - Educational qualification - Candidates were declared to be disqualified for the post of FSO on the ground that that they held Master's degree in different subjects whereas, educational qualification of a master's degree was only recognized in "Chemistry" subject, and for all the other subjects, only a graduation degree would be the qualifying criterion - Term 'degree' is defined u/S. 22(3) the UGC Act, which states that 'degree' means 'Bachelor's Degree', 'Master's Degree' and 'Doctorate Degree - Special reference to Master's degree is given in Rules of 2011, only for those who have acquired their degree course in Chemistry subject, for whom, the minimum qualifying criterion will be a Master's degree in Chemistry - As regards other subjects , a person having any degree, whether graduation or post-graduation, would be equally qualified for the post - Candidate who has taken college education in subjects of food technology; dairy technology; biotechnology; oil technology; agricultural science; veterinary science; biochemistry or microbiology, would be qualified , if he holds either graduation, post-graduation or doctorate degree. University Grants Commission Act (3 of 1956) , S.22(3)— Interpretation of Statutes - Literal Interpretation2023 (4) AJR 307 (JHA)-ReversedAIR 2016 SC (Civ) 307-Relied on ....