Postgraduate Diploma Not Equivalent to Degree for Promotion : Himachal Pradesh High Court

The Himachal Pradesh High Court held that a postgraduate diploma cannot be treated as equivalent to a postgraduate degree for promotions under the Himachal Pradesh Medical Education Service Rules, 1999.

The case involved a medical officer who sought to count teaching experience gained after obtaining a diploma towards eligibility for promotion.

The Bench noted that the essential qualification under the service rules is a postgraduate degree and clarified that the phrase “after doing post-graduation” refers only to the degree. Consequently, the Court rejected claims based on diploma-based service for promotion.

[Dr. Sunil Dutt v State of Himachal Pradesh & Ors.]