Summarize the following court judgment. vil Appeal Nos. 16 16 17 of 1990. From the Judgment and Order dated 22.5.1989 of the Allahabad High Court in Writ Petition No. 2777/78 & dated 5.7.89 Review Petition No. 68(W)/89 in W.P. No. 2777/78. K. Parasaran	 Amitabh Misra	 section Murlidhar and M.S. Ganesh for the Appellant. P.P. Rao	 Raja Ram Aggarwal	 E.C. Aggarwala	 Atul Shar ma	 Ms. Purnima Bhatt	 Mrs. Shobha Dikshit	 Lokesh Kumar	 R.D. Kewalramani and M.K. Garg for the Respondents. The Judgment of the Court was delivered by K. JAGANNATHA SHETTY	 J. Special Leave granted. The Chancellor of the Lucknow University while exercis ing power under Section 31(8)(a) of the Uttar Pradesh State Universities Act	 1973 ("The Act") has directed that Km. Neeliam Misra	 the appellant herein should be appointed as Reader in Psychology in the University. That order has been quashed by the High Court of Allahabad	 Lucknow Bench in Writ Petition No. 2777 of 1978 	at the instance of Dr. Harinder Kaur Paintal	 respondent (1). This appeal is from that judgment of the High Court. 90 The background of the case in the barest outline may be stated as under. The Lucknow University invited applications for appoint ment of Reader in Psychology from candidates who possessed the prescribed qualifications. In response to the advertise ment	 several candidates filed their applications. The appellant and respondents I to 5 were some of them who offered themselves as candidates. The Committee which was constituted for selection of candidates called them for interview along with some others. After considering their qualifications	 experience and relative performance in the interview	 the Selection Committee graded them as follows: "All the candidates who appeared for the interview possess a Ph. D. degree. Neelima Misra does not possess a Ph. D. degree. Her thesis is nearing 'completion. Her thesis work alongwith her publication were scrutinised and it was found that she satisfies the condition of published work of a high standard in the subject	 provided as an alternative to Ph. D. degree. All the candidates have a consistently good academic record and more than 54% marks in the M.A. Examina tions	 except Dr. C.B. Dwivedi	 who has a 3rd Division in the High School	 Dr. Ratan Singh who has 3rd Division in High School and B.A. 2. All the candidates possess the requisite teaching experi ence of post graduate classes. And the basis of the research work	 publications	 experi ence and performance at the interview	 the Committee graded the candidates as follows: 1. Ms. Neelima Misra 2. Dr. (Km.) Mukta Rani Rastogi 3. Dr. (Smt.) Harinder Kaur Paintal 4. Dr. S.N. Rai The rest of the candidates were found unsuitable. The view of the above Committee recommended that Km Neelima Misra be appointed to the post of Reader in Psychology." 91 Km. Neelinia Misra was found to have to her credit a published work of high standard in the subject of Psychology though she had no Ph. D. degree. Besides she was considered to be more suitable on the basis of research work	 publica tion	 experience and performance at the interview. The Selection Committee	 therefore	 recommended her for appoint ment to the post of Reader in Psychology. That recommendation came before the Executive Council. The Executive Council	 by a split majority disagreed with the recommendation and preferred the appointment of respond ent (5) Dr. (Km) M.R. Rastogi. It has expressed the view that the appellant did not possess the essential qualifica tions prescribed for the post of Reader and therefore	 not suitable for appointment. The opinion expressed by the Executive Council is as under: perusal of the bio data of Km. Neelima Misra shows that she does not possess Ph.D. degree nor has she submitted her thesis so far. Yet it is strange to say that her pub lished work is of a high standard. Thus she does not fulfil requirement of essential qualifications and not suitable for the post. The bio data of Dr. (Km) M.R. Rastogi shows that she possesses 11 years teaching experience of post graduate classes. She has a consistently good academic record and should be appointed Reader in Psychology as she has been graded No. 2 by the Selection Committee. Dr. (Smt.) Harmder Kaur Paintal is a Lecturer since November 1972 and has also a consistently good academic record and is suitable for the post. As a consequence there is no question of relaxa tion of essential qualification as candidate of requisite merit are available. " When there is thus disagreement with the recommendation of the Selection Committee	 the matter must be referred to the Chancellor for his decision. That is the mandatory requirement of Section 31(8)(a) of the Act. Accordingly	 the Executive Council referred the matter to the Chancellor. The Chancellor	 however	 by order dated August 16	 1978 did not approve of the Executive Council 's opinion to appoint Dr. (Km) M.R. Rastogi. The Chancellor rejected the opinion of the Executive Council and accepted the recommendation of the 92 Selection Committee and directed that the appellant should be appointed as Reader. The Chancellor observed: "The Selection Committee has unanimously recommended that Km. Neelima Misra be appointed to the post of Reader in Psychology. Instead of accepting this recommendation	 the Executive Council held by a majority of 6:5 votes that Kumari Neelima Misra does not fulfil the requirement of essential qualifications and is not suitable for the post. It was of opinion that Dr. (Km) M.R. Rastogi who has been graded No. 2 by the Selection Committee should be appointed and that Dr. (Smt) H.K. Paintal is also suitable for the post. Neelima Misra does not possess a Doctorate in the subject of study	 but the Selection Committee has re corded that her thesis alongwith her publications were scrutinised and it was found that she satisfies the condi tion of published work of a high standard on the subject	 which is an alternative to the Doctorate degree	 as provided in Statute 11.01 read with Statute 11.02 of the First Stat utes of Lucknow University. Thus Km. Neelima Misra possess the essential prescribed minimum qualification. She has also been adjudged to be the most suitable candidate on the basis of research work	 publications and experience and perform ance at interview	 among all the candidates	 by the Selec tion Committee which was in a better position to Judge the merits of the suitability of the appointment. After considering all the facts and circumstances of the case	 I approve the report of the Selection Committee and direct that the appointment order be issued accordingly. Sd/ G.D. Tapase	 Chancellor" As per the decision of the Chancellor	 the appellant was appointed as Reader in Psychology. Dr. (Smt) Harmder Kaur Paintal	 respondent 1	 moved the High Court under Article 226 of the Constitution challenging the Chancellor 's order. The Writ Petition was filed on 17 August 1978 before the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court and it was admitted on 93 30 March 1979. Ten years later i.e. on 3 May 1989 the writ petition was listed for hearing before the Division Bench of the High Court. On 22 May 1989	 the judgment was delivered by allowing the writ petition and quashing the Chancellor 's order with d direction to reconsider the matter. It seems that learned Judges had little discretion in the matter in view of an earlier decision of the High Court on the nature and scope of the Chancellor 's power under Section 31(8)(a) of the Act. In L.N. Mathur vs The chancellor	 Lucknow Uni versity	 Lucknow & Ors. 	 	 the Full Bench of the High Court by majority	 inter alia	 has held that the Chancellor must state explicitly the reasons for his deci sion. The Chancellor in order to arrive at a decision has to make a judicial approach to the question and he is enjoined by the Act to act quasi judicially. To reach that conclu sion	 the Full Bench has relied upon the observations in the Division Bench judgment in Dr. U.N. Roy vs His Excellency Sr. G.D. Tapase	 (The Ex Governor	 State of Uttar Pradesh)	 Chancellor Allahabad University (1981 UPLBEC 309.) Following those authorities	 the learned Judges in the present case have set aside the Chancellor 's order making some more observations: "When difference of opinion between the Selection Committee and Executive Council is referred to the Chancellor	 his position is that of an Arbitrator and there is a sort of 'lis ' before him and in case the Chancellor has to agree with the Selection Committee with which the Executive Coun cil has differed assigning particular reason	 the Chancellor has to assign reasons as to why he has agreed with the recommendation made by the Selection Committee. The dispute having been raised	 was to be decided atleast like a dis pute" At this point	 we may interrupt the narration and ana lyse Section 1 of the Act which provides procedure for selection of University eachers. Omitting unnecessary clauses	 the Section reads: "31(1) Subject to the provisions of the Act	 the teachers of the University and the teachers of an affiliated or associ ated college (other than a college maintained exclusively by the State Government) shall be appointed by the Executive Council or the Management of the affiliated or associated college	 as the case may be	 on the recommendation of a Selection Committee in the manner hereinafter provided. XXXX XXXXX XXXXX 94 (4)(a)The Selection Committee for the appointment of a teacher of the University (other than the Director of an Institute and the Principal of a constituent college) shall consist of (i) the Vice Chancellor who shall be the Chairman thereof	; (ii)the head of the Department concerned: XXX XXX XXX (iii) in the case of a Professor or Reader	 three experts	 and in any other case	 two experts be nominated by the Chancellor; XXX XXX XXX (6) No recommendation made by a Selection Committee referred to in sub section (4) shall be considered to be valid unless one of the experts had agreed to such selection. XXX XXX XXX (7 A) It shall be open to the Selection Committee to recom mend one or more but not more than three names for each post. (8)(a) In the case of appointment of a teacher of the Uni versity	 if the Executive Council does not agree with the recommendation made by the Selection Committee	 the Execu tive Council shall refer the matter to the Chancellor along with the reasons of such disagreement	 and his decision shall be final. Provided that if the Executive Council does not take a decision on the recommendations of the Selection Committee within a period of four months from the date of meeting of such Committee	 then also the matter shall stand referred to the Chancellor	 and his decision shall be final. " Three authorities are involved in the selection of University teachers; (i) Selection Committee	 (ii) Executive Council and (iii) Chancellor. 95 The Selection Committee for appointment of University teachers is a recommendatory body the composition of which has been prescribed under section 31(4)(a). It is a high power Committee of which the Vice Chancellor shall be the Chairman. The Head of the department concerned shall be a member. There shall also be expert members in the particular subject. The experts shall be drawn from outside the Univer sity and the Chancellor must nominate them. In the case of appointment of Professor or Reader	 there shall be three experts and in any other case two experts in the Selection Committee. In the case of selection of teachers of the University	 the recommendation of the Selection Committee shall not be valid unless atleast one of the experts agrees to such selection. The Selection Committee has the liberty to recommend one or more candidates but not more than three names for each post. The Executive Council is the principal executive body of the University whose powers and duties are provided under Section 21 of the Act. Subject to the provisions of the Act	 the Executive Council has power to appoint officers	 teach ers and other employees of the University. The appointment shall be made on the basis of recommendation made by the Selection Committee	 which means in the order of merit of candidates arranged by the Selection Committee. The Selec tion Committee has expert members and it has thus the exper tise to judge the relative suitability of competing candi dates. The Executive Council has no such experts on the subject for selection. Therefore	 the Executive Council shall make appointments as per the position or ranking obtained in the recommendation	 unless any other rule re quires otherwise. Section 31(8)(a) seems to suggest that if the Executive Council wants to agree with the recommendation and appoint candidates in the order of merits	 no reasons are to be given. But if it wants to disagree with the recom mendations made by the Selection Committee	 it must give reasons for disagreement. It has however	 no power to over ride the recommendation and appoint a candidates of its own choice. It may disagree	 but should give reasons for disa greement and refer the matter under section 31(8)(a) to the Chancellor. Then the decision of the Chancellor shall be binding on the Executive Council. The nature of the Chancellor 's power located under Section 31(8)(a) is now to be considered. The High Court has held that the Chancellor 's power is quasi judicial. There is a 'lis ' before the Chancellor for determination and he has to decide the dispute as an arbitrator. 96 The suggested analogy with the position of an arbitrator was not even supported by counsel for the respondents. The essence of the attack of Mr. Parasaran	 learned counsel for the appellant is that there is no legal or equitable fight of parties or any dispute relating thereto for determination by the Chancellor and therefore	 there is no duty to act judicially. The Chancellor has only to consider the recom mendation of the Selection Committee in the light of disa greement if any	 expressed by the Executive Council and direct appointment of a candidate in the select list. The order of the Chancellor	 and his function	 it was argued	 are purely administrative in nature. Mr. K.P. Rao for re spondent (3) was indeed very fair in his submission. He did not say that there is a 'lis ' before the Chancellor for determination. He urged that the Chancellor is required to exercise his powers properly and not improperly even though there is no 'lis ' before him for adjudication. The argument of Mr. Agarwal for the respondent No. 5	 however	 ranged a good deal under than his counter part appears to have done in the High Court. The power of the Chancellor	 he contend ed	 is quasijudicial and he must determine the issue that is referred to him with reasons in support of his conclusion. The question raised is of considerable importance and it has general application in Universities governed by similar pattern of statutory provisions. Reference may be made to some of such enactments. Section 27(4) of the provides that if the Executive Council is unable to accept any recommendation made by Selection Committee	 it may remit the same for reconsidera tion and if the difference is not resolved	 it shall record its reasons and submit the case to the Visitor for orders. Similar are the provisions under the Calcutta University Act	 1979. Section 32(2) therein provides that if the Syndi cate does not accept the recommendation of the Selection Committee it shall refer back the matter for reconsideration and if the Syndicate does not accept the reconsidered views	 the matter shall be referred to the Chancellor whose deci sion shall be final. Section 57(2)(e) of the Bombay Univer sity Act	 1974 is almost parallel and it states that if the Executive Council does not choose to appoint from amongst the persons recommended by the Selection Committee	 it shall for reasons recorded refer to the Chancellor whose decision shall be final. The by Section 27(5) also provides that if the Executive Council is unable to accept the recommendations made by the Selection Committee	 it shall record its reasons and submit the case to the Visitor for final orders. Section 49(2) of the M.P. Vishwavidhayalaya Adhiniyam	 1973 likewise requires where the Executive Council pro 97 poses to make the appointment otherwise than in accordance with the order of merit arranged by the Select Committee it shall record its reasons and submit its proposal for sanc tion of the Kuladhipati. The pattern in the Kerala University Act	 1974 is slightly different. The First Statute under that Act empow ers the Syndicate to make appointments contrary to recommen dation of the Committee but With the sanction of the Chan cellor. The First Statute under the Delhi University Act	 1922 by clause 6 provides that the Executive Council shall appoint from time to time Professors and Readers etc. on the recommendations of the Selection Committee constituted for the purpose. Under the Act and Statute with which we are concerned	 the Executive Council has no power to ask the Selection Committee to reconsider the recommendation. It must for reasons recorded refer the matter under Section 31(8)(a) to the Chancellor for decision. The Full Bench of the Allahabad High Court in L.N. Mathur	 case (supra) had analysed the concept of quasi judicial function with reference to the power of the Chan cellor under Section 31(8)(a) and expressed the view that the reference to the Chancellor showed the existence of a disagreement between two University Authorities with respect to the claims of competing candidates. The Chancellor has to decide the issue by examining the reasons given by the Executive Council and the records of the candidate. The decision of the Chancellor is final and not subject to any appeal/revision and his power is quasi judicial. The fact that the Chancellor is not required to follow any set proce dure or sit in public or take evidence does not make his function administrative. Such are the reasonings for the conclusion of the High Court to hold that the Chancellor must act as a quasi judicial authority. We find it difficult to accept the reasoning underlying the aforesaid view. Before we consider the correctness of the proposition laid down by the High Court we must	 at the expense of some space	 analyse the distinctions between quasi judicial and administrative functions. An administra tive function is called quasi judicial when there is an obligation to adopt the judicial approach and to comply with the basic requirements of justice. Where there is no such obligation. the decision is called 'purely administrative ' and there is no third category. This is what was meant by Lord Reid in Ridge vs Baldwin	 ; 	 75 76: 98 "In cases of the kind with which I have been dealing the Board of Works . . was dealing with a single isolated case. It was not deciding	 like a judge in a law suit	 what were the rights of the persons before it. But it was decid ing how he should be treated something analogous to a judge 's duty in imposing a penalty . " "So it was easy to say that such a body is performing a quasi judicial task in considering and deciding such a matter and to require it to observe the essentials of all proceedings of a judicial character the principles of natu ral justice. Sometimes the functions of a minister or de partment may also be of that character and then the rules of natural justice can apply in much the same way . " Subba Rao	 J.	 as he then was	 speaking for this Court in G. Nageshwara Rao vs Andhra Pradesh State Transport Corporation	 19 put it on a different empha sis (at 353): "The concept of a quasi judicial act implies that the act is not wholly judicial	 it describes only a duty cast on the executive body or authority to conform to norms of judicial procedure in performing some acts in exercise of its execu tive power . " Prof. Wade says "A judicial decision is made according to law. An administrative decision is made according to administrative policy. A quasi judicial function is an administrative function which the law requires to be exer cised in some respects as if it were judicial. A quasi judicial decision is	 therefore	 an administrative decision which is subject to some measure of judicial procedure	 such as the principles of natural justice." (Administrative Law by H.W.R. Wade 6th Ed. p. 46 47). An administrative order which involves civil conse quences must be made consistently with the rule expressed in the Latin Maxim audi alteram partem. It means that the decision maker should afford to any party to a dispute an opportunity to present his case. A large number of authori ties are on this point and we will not travel over the field of authorities. What is now not in dispute.is that the person concerned must be informed of the case against him and the evidence support thereof and must be given a fair opportunity to meet the case before an adverse decision is taken. Ridge vs Baldwin	 (supra) and state of 99 Orissa vs Dr. Binapani Dei & Ors.	 ; The shift now is to a broader notion of "fairness" of "fair procedure" in the administrative action. As far as the administrative officers are concerned	 the duty is not so much to act judicially as to act fairly (See: Keshva Mills Co. Ltd. v: Union of India; 	 at 30; Mohinder Singh Gill vs Chief Election Commissioner	 ; at 434; Swadeshi Cotton Mills vs Union of India	 and Management of M/s M.S. Nally Bharat Engineering Co. Ltd. vs The State of Bihar & Ors.	 Civil Appeal No. 1102 of 1990 decided on February 9	 1990. For this concept of fairness	 adjudicative settings are not necessary	 not it is necessary to have lis inter partes. There need not be any struggle between two opposing parties giving rise to a 'lis '. There need not be resolution of lis inter partes. The duty to act judicially or to act fairly may arise in widely differing circumstances. It may arise expressly or impliedly depending upon the context and considerations. All these types of non adjudicative administrative decision making are now covered under the general rubric of fairness in the administration. But then even such an administrative deci sion unless it affects one 's personal rights or one 's property rights	 or the loss of or prejudicially affects something which would juridically be called atleast a privi lege does not involve the duty to act fairly consistently with the rules of natural justice. We cannot discover any principle contrary to this concept. In the light of these considerations	 we revert to the central issue	 that is with regard to the nature of the Chancellor 's power under Section 31(8)(a). It may be noted that the Chancellor is one of the three authorities in the Statutory Scheme for selecting and appointing the best among the eligible candidates in the academic field. The Chancel lor is not an appellate authority in matters of appointment. He is asked to take a decision	 because the Executive Coun cil who is the appointing authority has no power to reject the recommendation of the Selection Committee and take a decision deviating therefrom. The Chancellor 's decision is called for when the Executive Council disagree with the recommendation of the Selection Committee. What is referred to the Chancellor under Section 31(8)(a) of the Act	 is therefore	 not a dispute between the Selection Committee and the Executive Council on any issue. Nor it is a dispute between two rival candidates on any controversy. What is referred to the Chancellor is the recommendation of the Selection Committee with the opinion	 if any	 recorded thereon by the Executive Council. In fact	 even without any opinion of the Executive Council	 the matter stands automat ically 100 remitted to the Chancellor if the Executive Council delays its decision on the recommendation of the Selection Commit tee. The proviso to Section 31(8)(a) provides for this contingency. It reads: "Section 31(8)(a) xxxxx xxxxx Proviso: Provided that if the Executive Council does not take a decision on the recommendation of the Selection Committee within a period of four months from the date of the meeting of such Committee	 then also the matter shall stand referred to the Chancellor	 and his decision shall be final. " The matter thus goes to the Chancellor for decision since the Executive Council could not take a decision on the recommendation of the Selection Committee. The Chancellor in the circumstances has to examine whether the recommendation of the Selection Committee should be accepted or not. If any opinion by way of disagreement has been recorded by the Executive Council on that recommendation	 the Chancellor has also to consider it. He must take a decision as to who should be appointed. It is indeed a decision with regard to appointment of a particular person or persons in the light of the recommendation and opinion if any	 of the two statu tory authorities. Such a decision appears to be of an admin istrative character much the same way as the decision of the Executive Council with regard to appointment. In matters relating to public employment whether by promotion or direct recruitment	 only requirement to be complied with is the mandate of Articles 14 and 16 of the Constitution. There shall be equality of opportunity and no discrimination only on ground of religion	 race	 caste	 sex	 dissent	 place of birth or residence or any of them. The eligible candidate has a right to have his case considered in accordance with law. In the instant case	 that require ment has been complied with by the Selection Committee. There is no further right with the candidates to make repre sentation to the Executive Council and much less to the Chancellor. Reference however	 was made to the observation of this Court in Dr. G. Sarana vs University of Lucknow and Ors.	 ; at 592. While dismissing the writ petition challenging the recommendation made by the Selec tion Committee of the Lucknow University for appointment of a candidate as Professor	 it was observed that "the ag grieved candidate has remedy by way of representation to the Executive Council and an application for re 101 ference under Section 68 of the Act to the Chancellor". We have carefully perused the decision and that observation. We find that it is of little assistance to the present case. We are concerned with the scope of Section 31(8)(a) of the Act which was not considered in that case. Apart from that	 Section 31 confers no such right to make representation to the Executive Council or to the Chancellor against the recommendation of the Selection Committee. There is no provision in the Section for hearing any candidate or the Executive Council. There is also no provision for receiving evidence. The material in respect of every candidate has already been collected and collated by the Selection Commit tee. Every material is on the record and the Chancellor has no power to take further evidence. The Chancellor is autho rised to take a decision and he must take it on the avail able records since the Executive Council has not taken a decision on the recommendation of the Selection Committee. The decision of the Chancellor in the exercise of this Statutory function does not	 in our opinion	 expressly or impliedly require the application of the principles of natural justice. See also the observations of K.N. Singh	 J.	 in R.S. Dass vs Union of India	 at 633. It has been argued that the order of the Chancellor becomes final and binding which is one of the features of judicial power. It is true that the conclusiveness of the decision without the need for confirmation or adoption by any other authority is generally regarded as one of the features of judicial power. But it must be added that the order made by a statutory authority even it is given finali ty does not thereby acquire judicial quality if no other characteristic of judicial power is present. Power to make orders that are binding and conclusive is not	 by itself a decisive factor to hold that the power is judicial. Prof. De Smith makes a similar point in his book 'Judicial Review of Administrative Action ' (4th Edition p. 82). Taking all these factors into consideration	 we would sum up our opinion m this way. The power of the Chancellor under Section 31(8)(a) is purely of administrative character and is not in the nature of judicial or quasi judicial power. No judicial or quasi judicial duty is imposed on the Chancellor and any reference to judicial duty	 seems to be irrelevant in the exercise of his function. The function of the Chancellor is to consider and direct appointment of a candidate on the basis of the relative performance assessed by the Expert Selection Committee and in the light of the opinion	 if any	 expressed by the Executive Council. His decision nonetheless is a decision on the recommendation of the Selection Committee. Such a power cannot be considered as a quasi judicial power. And we see nothing in that to justify our thinking 102 that it must conform to the principles of natural justice. The contention urged to the contrary is	 therefore	 unac ceptable to us. We also do not agree with the contrary view taken by the High Court in the Full Bench decision in L.N. Mathur	 case (supra). The Chancellor	 however	 has to not properly for the purpose for which the power is conferred. He must take a decision in accordance with the provisions of the Act and the Statutes. He must not be guided by extraneous or irrele vant consideration. He must not act illegally	 irrationally or arbitrarily. Any such illegal	 irrational or arbitrary action or decision	 whether in the nature of a legislative	 administrative or quasi judicial exercise of power is liable to be quashed being violative of Article 14 of the Constitu tion. As stated in E.P. Royappa vs State of Tamil Nadu & Anr.	 ; "equality and arbitrariness are sworn enemies; one belongs to the rule of law in a republic while the other to the whim and caprice of an absolute monarch". The principle of equality enshrined in Article 14 must guide every state action	 whether it be legislative executive	 or quasijudicial. See Mrs. Maneka Gandhi vs Union of India & Anr.	 [1978] 1 SCC 248 at 283 84; Ajay Hasia & Ors. vs Khalid Mujib Sehravardi & Ors.	 ; at 740 41 and Som Raj & Ors. vs State of Haryana	 JT 1990 1SC 286 at 290. The order of the Chancellor impugned in this case indi cates very clearly that he has considered the recommendation of the Selection Committee and the opinion expressed by the Executive Council. He has stated and in our opinion	 very rightly that the appellant possesses the prescribed qualifi cation for appointment as Reader. The decision of the Chan cellor gets support from the Statute 11.01 of the First Statute. The Statute 11.01 is in these terms: "11.01. (1) In the case of the Faculties of Arts	 Commerce and Science	 the following shall be the minimum qualifica tions for the post of Lecturer in the University	 namely (a) a Doctorate in the subject of study concerned or a published work of a high standard in that subject; and (b) Consistently good academic record (that is to say	 the overall record of all assessment throughout the academic career of a candidate)	 with first class of high second class (that is to say	 with an aggregate of more than 54% marks Master 's Degree in the subject concerned or equivalent Degree of a foreign University in such subject .) 103 (2) Where the selection committee is of the opinion that the research work of a candidate	 as evidenced either by his thesis or by his published work	 is of a very high standard	 it may relax any of the qualifications specified in sub:clause of clause (1). " The minimum qualification prescribed for the post is a Doctorate in the subject of study concerned or a published work of high standard in the subject. The appellant then was found to have an alternate qualification though not a Doc torate in the subject. The Selection Committee has accepted the alternate qualification as sufficient and did not relax the essential qualification prescribed for the post. The Executive Council appears to have committed an error in stating that the appellant has lacked the essential qualifi cation and the Selection Committee has relaxed the essential qualification. The Chancellor was	 therefore	 justified in rejecting the opinion of the Executive Council. It is not unimportant to point out that in matters of appointment in the academic field the Court generally does not interfere. In the University of Mysore & Ant. C.D. Govind Rao	 	 this Court observed that the Courts should be slow to interfere with the opinion ex pressed by the experts in the absence of mala fide alleged 2against the experts. When appointments based on recommenda tions of experts nominated by the Universities	 the High Court has got only to see whether the appointment had con travened any statutory or binding rule or ordinance. The High Court should show due regard to the opinion expressed by the experts constituting the Selection Committee and its recommendation on which the Chancellor has acted. See also the decisions in Dr. J.P. Kulshreshtha & Ors. vs Chancellor	 Allahabad University	 Raj Bhavan & Ors.	 ; at 912 and Dalpat Abasahed Solunke vs B.S. Mahajan	 at 309 310. In the result	 tile appeals are allowed	 the judgment of the High Court is set aside. We also set aside the conse quential order dated June 16	 1989 made by the Registrar of the University reverting the appellant to her substantive post of Lecturer in Psychology. Needless to state that her original appointment as Reader pursuant to the decision of the Chancellor shall remain undisturbed with all the conse quential benefits. In the circumstances of the case	 however	 we make no order as to costs. T.N.A. Appeals allowed.

The appellant and the respondents applied for the post of Reader in Psychology in Lucknow University. Under the University Statute	 the minimum qualification for the post was a Doctorate degree or a published work of high standard in the subject. The respondents possessed Ph.D. degree	 while the appellant 's thesis was nearing completion. On the basis of her experience	 performance at the interview and published work	 which was found to be of high standard on the subject	 the Selection Committee recommended the appellant 's appointment by grading her No. 1. 85 By a split of the majority	 the Executive Council disa greed with the recommendation of the Selection Committee on the ground that the appellant did not possess the essential qualification for the post of Reader and it preferred the appointment of respondent No. 2. In view of the Council 's disagreement	 the matter was referred to the Chancellor for his decision under Section 31(8)(a) of the U.P. State Universities Act	 1973. The Chancellor rejected the opinion of Executive Council and accepted the recommendations of the Selection Committee and directed that the appellant should be appointed as a Reader. Respondent No. 1 challenged the Chancellor 's order by filing a writ petition in the High Court	 which following its earlier Full Bench decision wherein it was held that the Chancellor must explicitly state the reasons for his deci sion and was enjoined by the Act to act quasijudicially quashed the Chancellor 's order with a direction to reconsid er the matter. In the appeal to this Court on the question of the nature of the Chancellor 's power under Section 31(8)(a) of the U.P. State Universities Act	 1973: Allowing the appeal and setting aside the order of the High Court	 this Court	 HELD: 1. Three authorities are involved in the Selection of University teachers ' (i) Selection Committee	 (ii) Execu tive Council and (iii) The Chancellor. The Selection Commit tee for appointment of University teachers is a recommenda tory body the composition of which has been prescribed under section 31(4)(a). The Executive Council is the principle executive body of the University. Subject to the provisions of the Act	 it has power to appoint officers	 teachers and other employees of the University. Section 31(8)(a) seems to suggest that if the Executive Council wants to agree with the recommendation and appoint candidates in the order of merits	 no reasons are to be given. But if it wants to disagree with the recommendations made by the Selection Committee	 it must give reasons for disagreement. It has however	 no power to override the recommendation and appoint a candidate of its own choice. It may disagree	 but should give reasons for disagreement and refer the matter under section 31(8)(a) to the Chancellor. Then the decision of the Chancellor shall be binding on the Executive Council. The Chancellor is not an appellate authority in matters of appointment. His decision is called for when the Executive Council disagree with the recommendation of the Selection Committee. What is referred to him 86 under section 31(8)(a) of the Act	 is therefore	 not a dispute between the Selection Committee and the Executive Council on any issue. Nor it is a dispute between two rival candidates on any controversy. It is indeed a decision with regard to appointment of a particular person or persons in the light of the recommendation and opinion if any	 of the two statutory authorities. [94H; 95A	 IL F G; 99F H] 1.1 The power of the Chancellor under Section 31(8)(a) is purely of administrative character and is not in the nature of judicial or quasijudicial power. No judicial or quasi judicial duty is imposed on the Chancellor and any reference to judicial duty	 seems to be irrelevant in the exercise of his function. Such a power cannot be considered as quasi judicial power. [101 F H] L.N. Malhur vs The Chancellor	 Lucknow University	 Lucknow & Ors.	 ; Dr. U.N. Roy vs G.D Tapase	 [1981] UPLBEC	 309	 disapproved. Section 31 confers no right to make representation to the Executive Council or to the Chancellor against the recommendation of the Selection Committee. There is no provision in the Section for hearing any candidate or the Executive Council. There is also no provision for receiving evidence. The decision of the Chancellor in the exercise of this statutory function does not expressly or impliedly require the application of the principle of natural justice. [ I 01 B 1)] Dr. G. Sarana vs University of Lucknow and Ors.	 ; ; held inapplicable. R.S. Dass vs Union of India. [1966] (Supp.) SCC 617; re ferred to. 2.1 The Chancellor	 however	 has to act properly for the purpose for which the power is conferred. He must take a decision in accordance with the provisions of the Act and the Statutes. He must not be guided by extraneous or irrele vant consideration. He must not act illegally	 irrationally or arbitrarily. Any such illegal. irrational or arbitrary action or decision	 whether in the nature of a legislative	 administrative or quasi judicial exercise of power is liable to be quashed being violative of Article 14 of the Constitu tion. [102B C] 2.2 The order of the Chancellor impugned in this case indicates very clearly that he has considered the recommen dation of the question Committee and the opinion expressed by the Executive Council. The 87 minimum qualification prescribed for the post is a Doctorate in the subject of study concerned or a published work of high standard in the subject. The appellant was found to have an alternate qualification though not a Doctorate in the subject. The Selection Committee has accepted the alter nate qualification as sufficient and did not relax the essential qualification prescribed for the post. The Execu tive Council appears to have committed an error in stating that the appellant has lacked the essential qualification and the Selection Committee has relaxed the essential quali fication. The Chancellor was	 therefore	 justified in re jecting the opinion of the Executive Council. His decision gets support from the Statute I 1.01 of the First Statute of the Lucknow University. Accordingly the judgment of the High Court and the consequential order made by the Registrar of the University reverting the appellant to her substantive post of Lecturer are set aside. Her original appointment as Reader pursuant to the decision of the Chancellor shall remain undisturbed with all consequential benefits. [102E	 103B C	 G] 3. An administrative function is called quasi judicial when there is an obligation to adopt the judicial approach and to comply with the basic requirements of justice. Where there is no such obligation	 the decision is called 'purely administrative ' and there is no third category. 197G H] Ridge vs Baldwin	 ; ; G. Nageshwara Rao vs Andhra Pradesh State Transport Corporation	 ; Administrative Law by H.W.R. Wade 6th Ed. p. 46 47	 referred to. 3.1 The conclusiveness of the decision without the need for confirmation or adoption by any other authority is generally regarded as one of the features of judicial power. But the order made by a statutory authority even it is given finality does not thereby acquire judicial quality if no other characteristic of judicial power is present. Power to make orders that are binding and conclusive is not	 by itself a decisive factor to hold that the power is judicial. [101 E F] Prof. Desmith	 'Judicial Review of Administrative Ac tion ' 4th Ed.	 p. 82; referred to. 3.2 An administrative order which involves civil conse quences must be made consistently with the rule expressed in the Latin Maxim audi alteram partem. The person concerned must be informed of the case against him and the evidence in support thereof and must be given a fair opportunity to meet the case before an adverse decision is taken. [98G H] 88 State of Orissa vs Dr. Binapani Dei & Ors.	 ; ; Ridge vs Baldwin	 ; ; referred to. 3.3 So far as the administrative officers are concerned	 the duty is not so much to act judicially as to act fairly. For this concept of fairness	 adjudicative settings are not necessary	 nor it is necessary to have lis inter parties. There need not be any struggle between two opposing parties giving rise to a 'lis '. There need not be resolution of lis inter parties. The duty to act judically or to act fairly may arise in widely different circumstances. It may arise expressly or impliedly depending upon the context and con siderations. All these types of non adjudicative administra tive decision making are now covered under the general rubric of fairness in the administration. But then.even such an administrative decision unless it affects one 's personal rights or one 's property rights	 or the loss of or prejudi cially affects something which would juridically be called atleast a privilege does not involve the duty to act fairly consistance with the rules of natural justice. [99A E] Keshva Mills Co. Ltd. vs Union of India	 ; ; Mohinder Singh Gill vs Chief Election Commissioner. ; ; Swadeshi Cotton Mills vs Union of India	 ; Management of M/s M.S. Nally Bharat Engi neering Co. Ltd. vs The State of Bihar & Ors.	 Civil Appeal No. 1102 of 1990 decided on 9.2.1990; ' referred to. In matters of appointment in the academic field the Court generally does not interfere. The Courts should be slow to interfere with the opinion expressed by the experts in the absence of mala fide alleged against the experts. When appointments are based on recommendations of experts nominated by the Universities	 the High Court has got only to see whether the appointment had contravened any statutory or binding rule or ordinance. The High Court should show due regard to the opinion expressed by the experts constituting the Selection Committee and its recommendation on which the Chancellor has acted. [103D E] University of Mysore & Anr. C.D. Govinda Rao	 ; Dr. J.B. Kulshreshtha & Ors. vs Chancellor	 Allahabad University	 Raj Bhavan & Ors. 	 ; ; Dalpat Abasaheb Soluke vs B.S. Mahajan	 ; followed. The principle of equality enshrined in Article 14 must guide every state action	 whether it be legislative	 executive or quasi judicial. [102C D] 89 E.P. Royappa vs State of Tamil Nadu & Anr.	 ; ; Mrs. Maneka Gandhi vs Union of India & Ant.	 [1978] 1 SCC 248; Ajay Hasia & Ors. vs Khalid Mujib Sehravardi & Ors.	 [1981] I SCC 722; Som Raj & Ors. vs State Of Haryana	 JT ; referred 5.1 In matters relating to public employment whether by promotion or direct recruitment	 only requirement to be complied with is the mandate of Articles 14 and 16 of the Constitution. There shall be equality of opportunity and no discrimination only on ground of religion	 race	 caste	 sex	 dissent	 place of birth or residence or any of them. The eligible candidate has a right to have his case considered in accordance with law. [100F]