Delhi High Court Questions NHAI’s Use of CLAT PG Scores for Lawyer Recruitment

The Delhi High Court raises questions over the National Highways Authority of India’s decision to use CLAT PG scores (from 2023 onwards) as a selection criterion for recruiting Young Professionals (Legal). 

A Division Bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela questioned how an exam meant for LL.M. admissions could justify public employment, noting the requirement may violate Article 16’s guarantee of equality in recruitment.

The court suggested NHAI conduct its own exam, perhaps through DHCBA, and remarked that CLAT PG’s intended purpose is academic, not professional. The matter will proceed on September 8, 2025.

[Shannu Baghel vs Union of India & Anr.]