1997(1) SCT 363. The ratio of this case may also not strictly apply to the facts of the present case. U.G.C had granted exemption from appearing in the eligibility test to specified categories. By way of circular, the candidates who had already been awarded M.Phil degree upto 31.3.1991, were granted exemption from appearing in the eligibility test and this was extended to candidates who had been awarded M.Phil degree upto 31.12.1992. The validity of the amended regulation was challenged and it was submitted that exemption that has been granted by amendment introduced in 1991 is violative of the right to equality guaranteed under Article 14 of the Constitution. It was declared that exemption from the eligibility test for the purpose of appointment on the post of Lecturer will have to be confined to candidates fulfilling the requirements in 1991 Regulation as amended. Cut off date fixed under circular and notification in respect of candidates who have obtained M.Phil degree or submitted their Ph.D. thesis was held valid. The fixing of cut off date for granting exemption was primarily under challenge in this case on the ground that there would be large number of candidates who had obtained M.Phil degree between December 31, 1992 to 1994 and hence fixing of cut off date is arbitrary. Even in this case, the direction issued by this Court to the effect that it would not be necessary to appear in eligibility test for candidates who have applied or/are applying for Lecturer post pursuant to the advertisement dated January 23, 1995, if they have obtained M.Phil degree or submitted Ph.D thesis before December 31, 1994, i.e. prior to the date of publication of advertisement, was not disturbed. In this case also, respondent No.6
