Service related matter

Request for Legal Opinion Assume that a candidate was pursuing a Regular B.Tech. programme from an AICTE-approved University, and only the final two semesters of the course remained. During this period, the candidate was appointed on a contractual basis in a Government Department/Government Undertaking. Due to financial and family circumstances, the candidate accepted the contractual employment while simultaneously completing the remaining two semesters of the Regular B.Tech. programme and was subsequently awarded the degree by the University. Thereafter, the candidate was selected for regular Government service through an open and lawful recruitment process. Kindly provide a reasoned legal opinion, supported by the relevant statutory provisions, service rules, Government resolutions/circulars, judicial precedents (Supreme Court/High Courts/Central Administrative Tribunal), and established legal principles, on the following issues: 1. If, at the time of contractual appointment, the applicable service rules, contract agreement, or departmental instructions did not expressly prohibit the pursuit of higher education or require prior departmental permission/NOC, can the validity or recognition of the degree be questioned solely on the ground that prior permission/NOC was not obtained? 2. Can a Regular B.Tech. degree obtained during contractual Government service be recognized as a valid educational qualification after the candidate subsequently joins regular Government service? 3. Can such a qualification be duly recorded in the employee's Service Book after appointment to regular Government service? 4. In adjudicating such a dispute, what factors are generally considered decisive by the Courts? - Applicable Service Rules; - Terms and conditions of the Contract Agreement; - Departmental circulars/orders; - AICTE/University Regulations; - Or any other relevant statutory or legal principles? 5. Kindly cite the relevant judgments of the Supreme Court of India, High Courts, or the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) that may serve as guiding precedents for such issues. Note: This query is being raised purely for the purpose of legal research and academic discussion. It is hypothetical in nature and is not intended to relate to or represent the pending case of any specific individual.