High Court of KeralaSingle Judge2021-11-10Writ Petition allowed; Ext.P7 quashed to the ex...

Abdul Khader S. and Others v. State of Kerala and Others

Case / Petition Number:W.P.(C) No. 24710 of 2021

Case Details & Bench

Court: High Court of Kerala
Hon'ble Judges: Sunil Thomas
Judgment Date: 2021-11-10
Court Decision / Holding: Writ petition allowed; Ext.P7 quashed to the extent it directs recovery from the petitioners for NPR enumeration payments.
Final Disposition: Writ Petition allowed; Ext.P7 quashed to the extent of recovery against the petitioners; matter disposed accordingly.

Parties to the Case

Appellants / Petitioners

Abdul Khader S.
Abdul Noufal T.
Abdul Saleem A.A.
Ahammed Sajid T.M.
Anandan P.
Aneesh Kumar K.V.
Anil D.
B.Silja
Biju P.U.
Biju Vijayan
Bini K.V.
C.Ravindran
Chithra K.Nair
Cyril Clement L.
Enitt V.V.
Geetha P.K.
Gincy G.Puthur
Gnanasoundari V.
Greeshma M.B.
Indira Amma P.
Jayaprakash C.
Jessy Philip
Jessy Augustine
Jessy K.O.
Jiji V.J.
July K.P.
K.V.Radhakrishnan
K.V.Joshy
Kusumam Jacob
Latha S.
Leena G.
M.S.Santhosh Kumar
Manoj R.
Mini Thomas C.
Muhsina Alangadan
Mulla M. Davis
Murali C.
Muthuselvam M.
Narendranathan N.
Pardeep P.
Preetha Francis P.
Priya Govind
Rahamathneesa K.
Rajani J.S.
Rajesh T.
S.Jayasree
S.Geetha
Sabarees M.
Sasi Kumar A.
Satishkumar P.K.
Shahul Hameed P.K.
Shaj S.
Sheena Y.
Shyni A.V.
Sibi P.Baby
Sivakumar S.
Sowmya M.P.
Sr.Tissy Paul
Sr.KarmaleethA.C.R.
Sreekumari A.
Sreenegesh P.R.
Sreenivasan A.T.
Sujith B.
Susy T.P.
Tony Jose K.
Usha Devi A.V.
V.Kripalaj
Varghese K.S.
Vincy Thomas
Ramaprasad M.N.
Anitha C.
K.C.Ajithakumari
S.Antony Amal Mathew
Jagadambika G.
Ajithkumar C.S.
Hari N.J.
Joby John
Krishna Kumar K.
Gopakumar R.
Sreeja V.
Sunnu Subramanian S.
Mini V.
Lekha V.Nair
Rajeena N.
S.M.Shajahhan
R.Babylal
Johny Dian
Priya M.R.
Babukumar G.
Sharmila B.
K.Rajani
Raymond Rose J.A.

Respondents

The State of Kerala represented by its Secretary, Secretary to Government, General Education Department, Secretariat, Annex-II, Thiruvananthapuram - 695001
The Director of Census Operations, Directorate of Census Operations, Kerala, CGO Complex, Ponnkula m, Thiruvanantharam - 695581
The Director of General Education, Jagathy, Thiruvananthapuram - 695014
The Deputy Director of Education, Palakkad - 678001
The District Educational Officer, Palakkad - 678001
The District Educational Officer, Mannarkkad, Palakkad District - 678582
The District Educational Officer, Ottappalam, Palakkad - 678103
The Assistant Educational Officer, Chittur, Palakkad - 678101
The Assistant Educational Officer, Mannarkkad, Palakkad - 678582
The Assistant Educational Officer, Ottapalam, Palakkad - 679303
The Assistant Educational Officer, Cherpulassery, Palakkad - 678503
The Assistant Educational Officer, Alathur, Palakkad - 678652
The Assistant Educational Officer, Kuzhalmannam, Palakkad - 678702
The Assistant Educational Officer, Kollangode, Palakkad - 678506
The Assistant Educational Officer, Thrithala, Palakkad - 679534

Legal Representation & Advocates

Counsels for Respondents

• Adv K. Sandesh Raja

Case Synopsis & Summary

This writ petition (W.P.(C) 24710/2021) is filed by aided school teachers challenging an order directing them to refund amounts paid for National Population Register enumeration work, on the ground that they were granted higher earned leave than eligible. The petitioners, many teachers from Palakkad district and nearby areas, had received payments for NPR-related enumeration assignments; Ext.P7 directed recovery of those payments. The petitioners contend that the payments were authorized under government orders/certificates andmade in the course of legitimate duties, and that recovery would impose a regrettable financial burden and disrupt reliance on official guidance. The respondents defend the recovery as proper and grounded in policy and payroll rules, implying that the payments were not correctly due. During hearing, the court noted a related decision of this Court in W.P(C) No. 18338 of 2021 and the Supreme Court’s decision in State of Punjab v. Rafiq Masih (White Washer) [2015(4) SCC 334], suggesting caution in recovering payroll amounts where reliance on government orders existed. After considering the facts and authorities, the court quashes Ext.P7 to the extent it requires recovery from the writ petitioners, and allows the writ petition. The order is thus partly set aside, preserving the government’s ability to pursue valid recoveries where appropriate but not unduly penalizing these petitioners for past payments.

Legal Doctrines & Maxims

Masih (White Washer) doctrine
State of Punjab v. Rafiq Masih (White Washer) widely cited principle (2015) SCC 334

Submissions & Arguments

Contentions of Appellants / Petitioners

Applicants contend that Ext.P7 is an erroneous recovery of amounts paid for NPR enumeration, arguing the payments were authorized under government orders and certificates and made in the course of legitimate duties. They rely on this Court’s W.P(C).No.18338 of 2021 and the Supreme Court decision in State of Punjab v. Rafiq Masih (White Washer) [2015(4) SCC 334] to emphasize caution in payroll recoveries where reliance on official guidance existed. They claim that quashing the recovery would not fray legitimate government interests and would protect the settled expectations of teachers.

Contentions of Respondents

Respondents contend that the recovery is proper where payments were made for NPR enumeration beyond entitlement, based on policy/payroll norms and the 4th respondent’s communications; Ext.P7 is a valid recovery instrument that serves the public exchequer. They rely on government orders and certificates and argue that the Court should not undermine lawful financial corrections. They invite a narrow approach to recovery consistent with public interest and payroll integrity.

Cited Precedents (2)

Case Name	Citation	Treatment	Explanation
State of Punjab v. Rafiq Masih (White Washer)	2015(4) SCC 334	Positive	Cited as authority for relief in payroll/payments and to guide cautious recovery in such contexts.
W.P(C).18338 of 2021	—	Mentioned Only	Judgment of this Court in a related matter was acknowledged but not elaborated as controlling precedent.

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Extracted Judgment Text

Exact text extracted from official judgment records.

W.P(C).24710/2021 1 ## **IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM** ## **PRESENT** ## **THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE SUNIL THOMAS** **WEDNESDAY, THE 10[TH] DAY OF NOVEMBER 2021 / 19TH KARTHIKA, 1943** **WP(C) NO. 24710 OF 2021** ## **PETITIONER/S:** 1 ABDUL KHADER S., AGED 38 YEARS S/O.SYED MUHAMED, FULL TIME ARABIC TEACHER, UNION UP SCHOOL, PALLIPURAM - 678 006 RESIDING AT JEELANI MANZIL, IND ESTATE, PUDUPPARIYARAM, PALAKKAD - 678 731. 2 ABDUL NOUFAL T., AGED 41 YEARS S/O.ABBAS T., LPST, AMLPS, THIRUVIZHAMKUNNU, KACHERIPPARAMBA (P.O.), ALANALLOOR (VIA), PALAKKAD, PIN - 678 601, RESIDING AT THALIYIL (HOUSE), KACHERIPPARAMBA (PO), ALANALLOOR (VIA), PALAKKAD, PIN - 678 601. 3 ABDUL SALEEM A.A., AGED 49 YEARS S/O.ABDUL KHADER K.P., H.S.T. (ARABIC), CFD HSS & VHSS MATHUR, MATHUR P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 571, RESIDING AT ALANGATUPARAMBIL HOUSE, KINAVALLUR P.O., PARALI, PALAKKAD - 678 612. 4 AHAMMED SAJID T.M., AGED 52 YEARS S/O.MAMMOO T., H.S.T.(SS), PULIYAPARAMB HSS, KODUNTHIRAPPULLY, PALAKKAD - 678 004 RESIDING AT NEST, K.P.KESAVAMENON COLONY, ANDIMADAM, OLAVAKKOD - 678 002. 5 ANANDAN P., AGED 49 YEARS S/O.RAKAN EZHUTHACHAN, H.S.T.(SS), HSS MUNDUR, MUNDUR, PALAKKAD - 678 592 RESIDING AT RAMA NIVAS, THEKKUMMURI (PO), KARALMANNA (VIA), PALAKKAD - 679 506. 6 ANEESH KUMAR K.V., AGED 54 YEARS S/O.K.K.VASU, LG HINDI, BSSHSS KOLLENGODE, PALAKKAD - 678 506 RESIDING AT KUNNAMPARAKKAL HOUSE, KINAVALLUR, PARALI, PALAKKAD - 678 612. 7 ANIL D., AGED 49 YEARS S/O.V.DIVAKARAN, HST MATHEMATICS, KKMHSS VANDITHAVALAM, VANDITHAVALAM, PALAKKAD P.O., PIN - 678 534. RESIDING AT ANIL BHAVAN, PALLAM,MUTHALAMADA P.O., PALAKKAD, PIN - 678 507. W.P(C).24710/2021 2 - 8 B.SILJA, AGED 48 YEARS W/O.VINESHKUMAR, UPST, YOGINI MATHA GIRLS SCHOOL, KOLLENGODE, PALAKKAD, PIN - 67 501, RESIDING AT VADAKKAMPADAM, KODUVAYUR (PO), PALAKKAD - 678 506. - 9 BIJU P.U., AGED 49 YEARS S/O.P.D.ULAHANAN, HST (SS), YMGHS KOLLENGODE, KOLLENGODE P.O., PALAKKAD, PIN - 678 506, RESIDING AT PARIYAMKULATHIL HOUSE, CHITTADI P.O., PALAKKAD DISTRICT, PIN - 678 706. - 10 BIJU VIJAYAN, AGED 50 YEARS S/O.VIJAYAN, U.P.S.T., K.K.M.H.S.S., VANDITHAVALAM, VANDITHAVALAM P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 534, RESIDING AT SREELAKAM, VANDITHAVALAM P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 534. - 11 BINI K.V., AGED 42 YEARS D/O.VARGHESE K.T., UP SANSKRIT, KVMUPS POLPULLY, POLPULLY P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 522, RESIDING AT ST.FRANCIS F C CONVENT, POLPULLY P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 552. - 12 C.RAVINDRAN, AGED 46 YEARS S/O.V.CHANDRAN, UPST YMGHS, KOLLENGODE, PALAKKAD, PIN - 678 506, RESIDING AT PUTHANPURA, THITTUMPURAM, THIRUVAZHIYADU POST, NEMMARA, PALAKKAD, PIN - 678 510. - 13 CHITHRA K.NAIR, AGED 49 YEARS W/O.A.SASIKUMAR, LPST, AUPS, KALMANDAPAM, PALAKKAD P.O., PIN - 678 001, RESIDING AT SISIRAM, BHAGAVATHY NAGAR, KACHERIMEDU, CHITTUR P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 101. - 14 CYRIL CLEMENT L., AGED 53 YEARS S/O.I.X.M.LOUIS, H.S.T.(MATHS), ST.PAUL'S HIGH SCHOOL KOZHINJAMPARA, PALAKKAD, PIN - 678 555, RESIDING AT MANIYAKARAR HOUSE, DEVARAYARNKOTTAI, MENONPARA (PO), PALAKKAD (DT.), PIN - 678 556. - 15 ENITT V.V., AGED 51 YEARS W/O.T.PAUL VARGHESE, HST (SOCIAL SCIENCE), CAHSS PERUVEMBA, PALAKKAD, PIN - 678 531, RESIDING AT PAULY COTTAGE, ANICODE, CHITTUR, PALAKKAD - 678 101. - 16 GEETHA P.K., AGED 55 YEARS W/O.T.APPUKUTTN, U P S A C HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL, PERUVEMBA, PERUVEMBA (PO), PALKKAD, PIN - 678 531, RESIDING AT "ANUGRAHA", K.T.A.NAGAR, IND ESTATE (PO), OLAVAKKODE, PALAKKAD, PIN - 678 731. W.P(C).24710/2021 3 17 GINCY G.PUTHUR, AGED 46 YEARS W/O.FRANCIS J.THEKKINIATH, U.P.S.A., K.V.M.U.P.SCHOOL POLPULLY, PALAKKAD, PIN - 678 552, RESIDING AT THEKKINIATH HOUSE, ANAND NAGAR, KALLEKULAGARA P.O., RLY COLONY, PALAKKAD, PIN - 678 009. 18 GNANASOUNDARI V., AGED 52 YEARS W/O.VELUCHANY V., H.M. ALPS, ATTEMPATHY, VELANTHAVALAM (PO), PALAKKAD, PIN - 678 557 RESIDING AT 4/827, SHYAMALALAYAM, BAVAJINAGAR, VELANTHAVALAM (PO), PALAKKAD, PIN - 678 557. 19 GREESHMA M.B., AGED 40 YEARS W/O.SHIJU N.C., LPST SENIOR GRADE KKMLPS, VANDITHAVALAM, PALAKKAD DIST., PIN - 678 534, RESIDING AT REVATHY, NEDUNGODE, CHITTUR P.O., PALAKKAD, PIN - 678 101. 20 INDIRA AMMA P., AGED 49 YEARS W/O.PRADEEP KUMAR S., HST MATHEMATICS, PULIYAPARAMB HSS, KODUNTHIRAPULLY (P.O.), PALAKKAD - 678 004 RESIDING AT ANITHA NIVAS, THENUR (PO), PARLI, PALAKKAD, PIN - 678 612. 21 JAYAPRAKASH C., AGED 55 YEARS S/O.P.SANKARANARAYANAN NAIR, HSA MALAYALAM, PULIYAPARAMB HSS, KODUNTHIRAPULLY, PALAKKAD - 678 004, RESIDING AT VIJAYASREE BHAVAN, THOTTAKKARA (PO), OTTAPALAM, PALAKKAD, PIN - 679 102. 22 JESSY PHILIP, AGED 50 YEARS D/O.PHILIP, HINDI TEACHER, KVMUPS PULPULLY, PALAKKAD, PIN - 678 552 RESIDING AT SERAPHIC FC CONVENT, WEST FORT ROAD, PALAKKAD, PIN - 678 001. 23 JESSY AUGUSTINE, AGED 46 YEARS D/O.AUGUSTINE, LPST, KVMUPS SCHOOL, POLPULLY P.O., PALAKKAD, PIN - 678 552, RESIDING AT ST.FRANCIS CONVENT, POLPULLY P.O., PALAKKAD, PIN - 678 552. 24 JESSY K.O., AGED 46 YEARS SUPERIOR GENERAL, HM, ST DOMINIC'S ALPS THACHAMPARA, PALAKKAD - 678 593, RESIDING AT DOMINICAN SISTERS, THACHAMPARA, PALAKKAD - 678 593. 25 JIJI V.J., AGED 48 YEARS W/O.BABU PAUL, LPST KVMUP SCHOOL, POLPULLY, PALAKKAD - 678 552, RESIDING AT MOOLAN HOUSE, MANTHAPARAMBU, POLPULLY, PALAKKAD - 678 552. W.P(C).24710/2021 4 - 26 JULY K.P., AGED 45 YEARS D/O.K.D.POULOSE, U P S T, KVMUP SCHOOL, POLPULLY, PALAKKAD - 678 552, RESIDING AT 9/52 SERAPHIC NOVITATE HOUSE, KALLUKUTTIYAL, POLPULLY POST, PALAKKAD - 678 552. - 27 K.V.RADHAKRISHNAN, AGED 55 YEARS S/O.VELAPPAN, HST (PHYSICAL SCIENCE), YOGINI MATHA GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL, KOLLENGODE, PALAKKAD, PIN - 678 506, RESIDING AT KADUNGOTH HOUSE, CHITTUR COLLEGE P.O., PALAKKAD, PIN - 678 104. - 28 K.V.JOSHY, AGED 49 YEARS S/O.K.A.VARGHESE, HST (SS), KKMHSS VANDITHAVALAM, VANDHITHAVALAM P.O., PALAKKAD, PIN - 678 534. RESIDING AT KIZHAKKOODAN HOUSE, PULLODE P.O., THRIPPALUR, PALAKKAD, PIN - 678 545. - 29 KUSUMAM JACOB, AGED 53 YEARS W/O.JACOB, H S T HINDI, PULIYAPARAMB HSS, KODUNTHIRAPULLY, PALAKKAD, PIN - 678 004, RESIDING AT KANATT HOUSE, PIRAYIRI POST, PALAKKAD - 678 004. - 30 LATHA S., AGED 55 YEARS W/O.P.K.KALADHARAN, UPST KKMHSS VANDITHAVALAM, VANDITHAVALAM P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 534 RESIDING AT SREEHARAM, MANNADIARLINE, CHITTUR P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 101. - 31 LEENA G., AGED 48 YEARS, W/O.SANJEEV C.K., HEADMISTRESS, CFD HS MATHUR, PALAKKAD, PIN - 678 571 RESIDING AT NIVED BHAVAN, THANEERANKAD, MATHUR (PO), PALAKKAD - 678 571. - 32 M.S.SANTHOSH KUMAR, AGED 48 YEARS S/O.P.SOMASEKHARA PILLAI, HST (HINDI), YOGINI MATHA GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL, KOLLENGODE, PALAKKAD - 678 504, RESIDING AT OMKARAM, VATTEKKAD, KOLLENGODE, PALAKKAD - 678 504. - 33 MANOJ R., AGED 54 YEARS S/O.P.N.RAMAN NAIR, HST, (MATHS) YOGINIMATHA GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL, KOLLENGODE, PALAKKAD, PIN - 678 506, RESIDING AT PRANAVAM, MATTUMANTHA, NALLEPILLY P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 533. - 34 MINI THOMAS C., AGED 47 YEARS W/O.JOHN THOMAS, UPSA KVMUP SCHOOL, POLPULLY, PALAKKAD, PIN - 678 552, RESIDING AT LOVE DALE, KALLUKUTTIYAL, POLPULLY (PO), PALAKKAD - 678 552. W.P(C).24710/2021 5 35 MUHSINA ALANGADAN, AGED 43 YEARS W/O.ABDUL SALEEM A.A., F T ARABIC TEACHER, SNUPS KODUNTHIRAPPULLY, KODUNTIRAPPULLY P.O., PALAKKAD, PIN - 678 004 RESIDING AT ALANGATTUPARAMBIL, KINAVALLUR P.O., PARALI, PALAKKAD - 678 612. 36 MULLA M.DAVIS, AGED 47 YEARS D/O.M.D.DEVASSY, LPSA KVMUPS, POLPULLY, P.O.PALAKKAD, PIN - 678 552. RESIDING AT ST FRANCIS F C CONVENT, POLPULLY P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 552. 37 MURALI C., AGED 52 YEARS S/O.CHATHU M., LPST ALPS PUTHIYANKAM, PUTHIYANKAM P.O., ALATHUR SUB DISTRICT, PALAKKAD, PIN - 678 541 RESIDING AT KANNADI VEEDU, VENGANORE, ALATHUR P.O., PALAKKAD, PIN - 678 541. 38 MUTHUSELVAM M., AGED 45 YEARS S/O.MAYILSWAMY, LPSA ALPS ATTEMPATHY, VELANTHAVALAM POST, PALAKKAD DT., PIN - 678 577, RESIDING AT 5/349 KRISHNA MAYIL ILLAM, BAVAGINAGAR, VELANTHAVALAM POST, PALAKKAD DT., PIN - 678 557. 39 NARENDRANATHAN N., AGED 54 YEARS S/O.NARAYANA PILLAI, UPST KKMHSS VANDITHAVALAM, PALAKKAD, PIN - 678 101, RESIDING AT NANDANAM, KENCHATH LANE, NEAR POST OFFICE, CHITTUR, PALAKKAD, PIN - 678 101. 40 PRADEEP P., AGED 41 YEARS S/O.C.K.DAMODARAN, HST ENGLISH, KKMHSS VANDITHAVALAM, PALAKKAD, PIN - 678 534 RESIDING AT PANAMPILLI HOUSE, MOOLAMCODE, PALAKKAD, PIN - 678 684. 41 PREETHA FRANCIS P., AGED 45 YEARS W/O.JOSEPH D.KOLLANNUR, LPST KVMUPS POLPULLY, PALAKKAD, PIN - 678 552, RESIDING AT KOLLANNUR HOUSE, COOLIMUTTOM, POLPULLY POST, PALAKKAD, PIN - 678 552. 42 PRIYA GOVIND, AGED 50 YEARS W/O.RAJEEV M.N., HSA (PHYSICAL SCIENCE), CAHSS, PERUVEMBA, PALAKKAD, PIN - 678 531, RESIDING AT DEVIPRIYA, EAST VILLAGE, PERUVEMBA (PO), PALAKKAD, PIN - 678 531. 43 RAHAMATHNEESA K., AGED 54 YEARS W/O.MOOSAPPA A., HM, KKMLPS VANDITHAVALAM, PALAKKAD, PIN - 678 534 RESIDING AT NADUKKALATHIL, VANDITHALAVALAM, PALAKKAD, PIN - 678 534. W.P(C).24710/2021 6 |44|RAJANI J.S., AGED 50 YEARS| |---|---| ||W/O.JAAJVEL E.P., HST SOCIAL SCIENCE, BEMHSS PALAKKAD,| ||PALAKKAD P.O., PIN - 678 001, RESIDING AT EATTIKKAL| ||HOUSE, MISSION COMPOUND, MEPPARAMPA, PALLIPURAM P.O.,| ||PALAKKAD, PIN - 678 006.| |45|RAJESH T., AGED 50 YEARS| ||S/O.K.VASUDEVAN, HSA (MATHS), SM HS AYALUR, PALAKKAD,| ||PIN - 678 510, RESIDING AT KANNEMBRATH HOUSE,| ||THALAVETTAMPARA, AYALUR, PALAKKAD - 678 510.| |46|S.JAYASREE, AGED 55 YEARS| ||W/O.CHANDRAKALADHARAN C.P., U.P.S.A., C.A.H.S. CHUNGAM| ||PERUVAMBA, PALAKKAD, PIN - 678 531, RESIDING AT| ||SREEPRABHA,CHUNGAM, PERUVAMBA, PALAKKAD - 678 531.| |47|S.GEETHA, AGED 53 YEARS, W/O.P.JAYAPRAKASH, U.P.S.A.,| ||C.A.H.S.PERUVEMBA, PALAKKAD - 678 531 RESIDING AT| ||C.T.PALAYAM, KOLLENGODE, PALAKKAD - 678 506.| |48|SABAREES M., AGED 37 YEARS, S/O.MUKUNDAN M., HST| ||(SANSKRIT), HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL MUNDUR, MUNDUR,| ||PALAKKAD - 678 592, RESIDING AT MUSALIYATH, AZHIYANNUR,| ||KATAMPAZHIPURAM, PALAKKAD - 678 633.| |49|SASI KUMAR A., AGED 55 YEARS| ||S/O.T.UNNIKRISHNAN, HEADMASTER, KKMHSS VANDITHAVALAM,| ||PALAKKAD - 678 534, RESIDING AT SISIRAM, BHAGAVATHI| ||NAGAR, KACHERIMEDU, CHITTUR, PALAKKAD - 678 101.| |50|SATISHKUMAR P.K., AGED 52 YEARS| ||S/O.KRISHNAN P.A., HST MATHEMATICS, PULIYAPARAMB HSS,| ||KODUNTHIRAPULLY, PALAKKAD - 678 004 RESIDING AT SREE| ||BHAVAN, THENUR P.O., PARALI, PALAKKAD - 678 612.| |51|SHAHUL HAMEED P.K., AGED 41 YEARS| ||S/O.KUNHIMUHAMMED P.K. (LATE), UPST KKMHSS| ||VANDITHAVALAM, VANDITHAVALAM (P.O.), PALAKKAD (DT.), PIN| ||- 678 534, RESIDING AT POALAKURUSSI, KANDANATH (HOUSE),| ||VALLAPPUZHA (PO), PALAKKAD(DT.), PIN - 679 336.| |52|SHAJ S., AGED 51 YEARS| ||S/O.SWAMINATHAN, HST (SS), KKMHSS VANDITHAVALAM,| ||VANDITHAVALAM P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 534 RESIDING AT| ||KATTUPADAM HOUSE, MUTHALAMADA POST, PALAKKAD - 678 507.| |53|SHEENA Y., AGED 41 YEARS| ||W/O.AKBAR ALI, LPST (HG), K K M L P S, VANDITHAVALAM,| ||VANDITHAVALAM P.O., CHITTUR TALUK, PALAKKAD - 678 534,| ||RESIDING AT BAITUL KAREEM, WEST THARA, KUTHANUR P.O.,| ||PALAKKAD DT., PIN - 678 721.| W.P(C).24710/2021 7 54 SHYNI A.V., AGED 37 YEARS W/O.JAISON P.P., LPSA, K.V.M.U.P.SCHOOL, POLPULLY, PALAKKAD - 678 552 RESIDING AT PALLAI HOUSE, MANALI, PALAKKAD - 678 001. 55 SIBI P.BABY, AGED 50 YEARS S/O.BABY PHILIP, HST, (PHYSICAL SCIENCE), CFDHS MATHUR, MATHUR P.O., PALAKKAD, PIN - 678 571 RESIDING AT PIDIPARAPUTHANPURAYIL HOUSE, KODVAYUR P.O., PALAKKAD, PIN - 678 501. 56 SIVAKUMAR S., AGED 55 YEARS S/O.SIVARAMAN, UPST, K K M H S S VANDITHAVALAM, VANDITHAVALAM (POST), PALAKKAD DT., PIN - 678 534 RESIDING AT VEMBRA HOUSE, NANNIODE (POST), PALAKKAD DT., PIN - 678 534. 57 SOWMYA M.P., AGED 49 YEARS W/O.A.K.NARAYANANKUTTY, HAS (SS), CFD HS MATHUR, MATHUR P.O., PALAKKAD, PIN- 678 571, RESIDING AT ANJUKULANGARA HOUSE, THACHANGAD POST, MATHUR, PALAKKAD - 678 571. 58 SR.TISSY PAUL, AGED 49 YEARS ARABIC TEACHER, SDS LPS THACHAMPARA, PALAKKAD, PIN - 678 593, RESIDING AT DOMINICAN SISTERS, THACHAMPARA, PALAKKAD, PIN - 678 593. 59 SR.KARMALEETHA C.R., AGED 53 YEARS L.P.S.T. ST.DOMINICS A.L.P.SCHOOL, THACHAMPARA, PALAKKAD, PIN - 678 593 RESIDING AT DOMINICAN SISTERS, PERIMPADARI, MANNARKKAD, PALAKKAD, PIN - 678 762. 60 SREEKUMARI A., AGED 52 YEARS W/O.SREENIVASAN U., LPST KKMLPS, VANDITHAVALAM, PALAKKAD, PIN - 678 534, RESIDING AT SRI KRIPA, PLOT NO.89, RAIL NAGAR, OLAVAKKODE, PALAKKAD, PIN - 678 002. 61 SREENEGESH P.R., AGED 52 YEARS S/O.RAMAN, HSA ENGLISH, KKMHSS VANDITHAVALAM, PALAKKAD, PIN - 678 534 RESIDING AT THATTANCHALLA, NANNIODE (PO), VANDITHAVALAM, PALAKKAD, PIN - 678 534. 62 SRINIVASAN A.T., AGED 52 YEARS S/O.A.S.THANGASWAMY, HST (TAMIL), KKMHSS VANDITHAVALAM, PALAKKAD - 678 534 RESIDING AT KUMARA GURU BHAVANAM, MEENIKKODE, THATHAMANGALAM P.O., PALAKKAD, PIN - 678 102. W.P(C).24710/2021 8 63 SUJITH B., AGED 45 YEARS S/O.K.M.BALAKRISHNAN NAIR, HST (MALAYALAM, YMGHS KOLLENGODE, PALAKKAD - 678 506, RESIDING AT INDEEVARAM, VATTEKKAD, KOLLENGODE, PALAKKAD, PIN - 678 506. 64 SUSY T.P., AGED 51 YEARS W/O.JOSEPH SIMON K., LPST KVMUPS POLULLY P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 552 RESIDING AT KOLLANNUR VILLA, HARITHA NAGAR, NURANI P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 004. 65 TONY JOSE K., AGED 55 YEARS S/O.K.D.JOSE, HST (MATHEMATICS) KKMHSS VANDITHAVALAM, PALAKKAD - 678 534 RESIDING AT KUNDUKULAM HOUSE, HARITHA NAGAR, KAZCHAPARAMBU, KANNADI, PALAKKAD - 678 701. 66 USHA DEVI A.V., AGED 54 YEARS W/O.UNNIKRISHNAN A.V., HST (SS), PULIYAPARAMB HSS, KODUNTHIRAPPULLY (PO), PALAKKAD, PIN - 678 004, RESIDING AT DWARAKA, NEAR PARALI HIGH SCHOOL, PARALI P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 612. 67 V.KRIPALAJ, AGED 51 YEARS S/O.BHASKARAN G., HST SOCIAL SCIENCE V M H S VADAVANNUR P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 504 RESIDING AT DEVADATHAM, POONTHONI, VADAVANNUR P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 504. 68 VARGHESE K.S., AGED 53 YEARS S/O.K.M.SEBASTIAN, HST (HINDI), PULIYAPARAMB HSS, KODUNTHIRAPULLY P.O., PALAKKAD, PIN - 678 004, RESIDING AT KANNAMPADATHIL EMS NAGAR, KADAMKODE, KARINGARPULLY P.O., PALAKKAD, PIN - 678 551. 69 VINCY THOMAS, AGED 40 YEARS D/O.THOMAS (LATE), UPST K V M U P SCHOOL, POLPULLY, PALAKKAD - 678 552, RESIDING AT ST.FRANIC CONVENT, POLPULLY P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 552. 70 RAMAPRASAD M.N., AGED 48 YEARS S/O.M.K.NARAYANAN SWAMY, HST (MALAYALAM), SMHS AYALUR, THALAVATTAMPARA, AYALUR P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 510, RESIDING AT GEETHA NIVAS, MUDAPPALLUR P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 705. 71 ANITHA C., AGED 46 YEARS W/O.N.KRISHNAPRASAD, HST SOCIAL SCIENCE, SMHSS, AYALUR, PALAKKAD, PIN - 678 510, RESIDING AT SREEKRISHNA, AYANAMPADAM, NEMMARA (PO), PALAKKAD (DT.), PIN - 678 508. W.P(C).24710/2021 9 - 72 K.C.AJITHAKUMARI, AGED 50 YEARS W/O.K.N.SUBASH, HSA NATURAL SCIENCE, SMHS AYALUR, PIN - 678 510, RESIDING AT KANDAMKULANGARA HOUSE, P.O.KAIRADY, PALAKKAD, PIN - 678 510. - 73 S.ANTONY AMAL MATHEW, AGED 50 YEARS S/O.P.SILUVAI MUTHU, LPST ALPS ATTEMPATHY, VELANTHAVALAM, PALAKKAD, PIN - 678 577, RESIDING AT KANAKKANKALAM, KOZHIPPARA P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 557. - 74 JAGADAMBIKA G., AGED 48 YEARS W/O.RANJINRAJ, UPSA SMHS AYALUR, PALAKKAD, PIN - 678 510, RESIDING AT SREERAMANILAYAM, KIZHAKKAMPADAM, NEMMARA, PALAKKAD, PIN - 678 508. - 75 AJITHKUMAR C.S., AGED 47 YEARS S/O.C.SEERAPANI, HST (PHYSICAL SCIENCE), CFDHS MATHUR, MATHUR P.O., PALAKKAD, PIN - 678 571, RESIDING AT 19/648, PRASADAM, CHETTY STREET, PALAKKAD - 678 001. - 76 HARI N.J., AGED 53 YEARS S/O.N.JATHA VEDAN NAMBOODIRI, HST MALAYALAM, PULIYAPARAMB HSS, P.O.KODUNTHIRAPPULLY, PALAKKAD, PIN - 678 004, RESIDING AT NADUVATHU MANA P.O., PUDUKAD, SOUTH THURAVU, THRISSUR, PIN - 680 301. - 77 JOBY JOHN, AGED 45 YEARS S/O.JOHN T.U., L P S T, A U P S THRIPPANNUR, MOOLAMCODE P.O., KIZHAKKENCHERRY, PALAKKAD DT., PIN - 678 684, RESIDING AT THACHARUKUZHIYIL HOUSE, PANNIYANKARA P.O., PALAKKAD DIST., PIN - 678 683. - 78 KRISHNA KUMAR K., AGED 53 YEARS S/O.KRISHNAN NAIR, HST MALAYALAM, SREEKRISHNA HS, NALLEPILLY, PALAKKAD - 678 553, RESIDING AT NANDANAM, NADUTHARA, NALLEPILLY, PALAKKAD - 678 553. - 79 GOPAKUMAR R., AGED 49 YEARS S/O.RADHAKRISHNAN MENON, UPST BSS HSS, KOLLENGODE, PALAKKAD - 678 506, RESIDING AT RADHA VIHAR, NELLIKKAL EDOM, VANDAZHY, PALAKKAD - 678 706. - 80 SREEJA V., AGED 43 YEARS W/O.MR.DIVYAPRAKASH, UPST BSS HSS, KOLLENGODE, PALAKKAD DIST., PIN - 678 506, RESIDING AT DIVYAM, FLAT NO.5H, FEDERAL FORT APARTMENTS, NEAR MANAPPULLIKKAVU, PALAKKAD - 678 013. W.P(C).24710/2021 10 - 81 SUNNU SUBRAMANIAN S., AGED 50 YEARS W/O.MANIKANDAN S., HST (MATHEMATICS), SREEKRISHNA HS NALLEPILLY, NALLEPILLY P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 553, RESIDING AT SIVAPRIYA, VIDYANAGAR, NALLEPILLY P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 553. - 82 MINI V., AGED 54 YEARS W/O.SREE KUMAR K., H.M., SREEKRISHNA HS NALLEPILLY, NALLEPILLY P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 553, RESIDING AT KARTHIKA NIVAS, AGRAHARAM, NALLEPILLY P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 553. - 83 LEKHA V.NAIR, AGED 45 YEARS W/O.KRISHNA KUMAR, HST (MATHEMATICS), SREEKRISHNA HS NALLEPILLY, NALLEPILLY P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 553, RESIDING AT NANDANAM, MANNADIYARLANE, NADUTHARA, NALLEPILLY P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 553. - 84 RAJEENA N., AGED 40 YEARS W/O.S.M.SHAJAHAN, P.D.TECHER SMHSS AYALUR P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 510, RESIDING AT KALATHIL HOUSE, THIRINJACODE, AYALUR P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 510. - 85 S.M.SHAJAHAN, AGED 54 YEARS S/O.MUHAMMED MOIDEEN, HST SOCIAL SCIENCE, SMHSS AYALUR P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 510, RESIDING AT KALATHIL HOUSE, THIRINJACODE, AYALUR P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 510. - 86 R.BABYLAL, AGED 53 YEARS S/O.C.M.RAJAMANI, P.D.TEACHER, SMHSS AYALUR P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 510, RESIDING AT CHALLIPARAMBU, PARUVASSERY P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 686. - 87 JOHNY DIAN, AGED 54 YEARS S/O.CHACKO JOHN, HST, SMHSS AYALUR P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 510, RESIDING AT KARUVALLIL HOUSE, KARAYANKAD, VADAKKANCHERY P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 683. - 88 PRIYA M.R., AGED 46 YEARS W/O.C.HARIDAS, H.S.T.(HINDI), SMHSS AYALUR P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 510, RESIDING AT NONNAMKULAM HOUSE, CHITTILAMCHERY, PALAKKAD - 678 704. - 89 BABUKUMAR G., AGED 49 YEARS S/O.K.GANGADARAN, H.S.T.MATHEMATICS YOGINI MATHA G.H.S., KOLLENKODE P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 506, RESIDING AT KOLUMBIL HOUSE, CHITTILAMCHERY, PALAKKAD - 678 704. W.P(C).24710/2021 11 - 90 SHARMILA B., AGED 54 YEARS W/O.SHAFEE AKHTHER, PD TEACHER, ST.PHILOMINA'S ALPS, VILLOONY, ERUTHENPATHY P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 555, RESIDING AT SHERMIL MANZIL, NORTH STREET, KOZHINJAMPARA P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 55. - 91 K.RAJANI, AGED 56 YEARS W/O.SREEDHARAN M.V., HST HINDI (RETIRED), HSS MUNDUR, MUNDUR P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 592 RESIDING AT AISWARYA, KOVILPARAMBU, MUNDUR P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 592. - 92 RAYMOND ROSE J.A., AGED 52 YEARS W/O.JOHN KENNEDY, PD TEACHER, ST.PHILOMINA'S ALPS, VILLOONNY, ERUTHENPATHY P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 555, RESIDING AT KENNEDY HOUSE, R.V.PUDUR ROAD, NEAR GOOD NEWS SCHOOL, KOZHINJAMPARA P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 55. BY ADV K.SANDESH RAJA ## **RESPONDENTS:** - 1 THE STATE OF KERALA REPRESENTED BY ITS SECRETARY, SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT, GENERAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, SECRETARIAT, ANNEX-II, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - 695 001. - 2 THE DIRECTOR OF CENSUS OPERATION DIRECTORATE OF CENSUS OPERATIONS, KERALA, CGO COMPLEX, PONKULAM, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM. - 3 THE DIRECTOR OF GENERAL EDUCATION JAGATHY, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - 695 014. - 4 THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION PALAKKAD P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 001. - 5 THE DISTRICT EDUCATIONAL OFFICER PALAKKAD - 678 001. - 6 THE DISTRICT EDUCATIONAL OFFICER MANNARKAD, PALAKKAD DIST. - 678 582. - 7 THE DISTRICT EDUCATIONAL OFFICER OTTAPPALAM, PALAKKAD - 678 103. W.P(C).24710/2021 12 - 8 THE ASSISTANT EDUCATIONAL OFFICER CHITTUR, PALAKKAD 678 101. - 9 THE ASSISTANT EDUCATIONAL OFFICER MANNARKKAD, PALAKKAD - 678 582. - 10 THE ASSISTANT EDUCATIONAL OFFICER OTTAPALAM, PALAKKAD - 679 303. - 11 THE ASSISTANT EDUCATIONAL OFFICER CHERPULASSERY, PALAKKAD - 678 503. - 12 THE ASSISTANT EDUCATIONAL OFFICER ALATHUR, PALAKKAD - 678 652. - 13 THE ASSISTANT EDUCATIONAL OFFICER KUZHALMANNAM, PALAKKAD - 678 702. - 14 THE ASSISTANT EDUCATIONAL OFFICER KOLLANGODE, PALAKKAD 678 506. - 15 THE ASSISTANT EDUCATIONAL OFFICER THRITHALA, PALAKKAD - 679 534. ## **OTHER PRESENT:** SR.GP NISHA BOSE THIS WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 10.11.2021, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING: W.P(C).24710/2021 13 ## **JUDGMENT** Petitioners are aided school teachers who are aggrieved by the order issued by the respondents directing them to return the amounts paid to them for undertaking the enumeration work in connection with the preparation of the National Population Register (NPR) on the ground that, they had been granted higher earned leave than what was eligible to them. 2. At the time of hearing, both sides brought to my notice the judgment of this Court in W.P(C).No.18338 of 2021. Essentially, that was based on the judgment of the Supreme Court in **State of Punjab v. Rafiq** ## **Masih (White Washer) [2015(4) SCC 334].** 3. Having considered the entire facts, I am inclined to allow the Writ Petition by quashing Ext.P7 order, to the extent it applies to recovery against the writ petitioners. Writ Petition is allowed as above. **Sd/SUNIL THOMAS JUDGE** ## **Sbna/** W.P(C).24710/2021 14 ## **APPENDIX OF WP(C) 24710/2021** |PETITIONER EXHIBITS|| |---|---| |Exhibit P1|TRUE COPY OF THE GOVERNMENT ORDER G.O.(RT)| ||NO.2851/2010/G.EDN. DATED 30/6/2010.| |Exhibit P2|TRUE COPY OF THE G.O.(MS) NO.171/2010/GAD| ||DATED 30/4/2010.| |Exhibit P3|TRUE COPY OF THE LETTER NO.T-CG/2/119/2010| ||DATED 16/11/2010.| |Exhibit P3A|TYPED COPY OF EXHIBIT P3.| |Exhibit P4|TRUE COPY OF THE DEPUTY CERTIFICATE NO.B1-| ||9511/07 DATED 4/8/2010 ISSUED BY THE CHARGE| ||CENSUS OFFICER/TAHASILDAR TO THE 58TH| ||PETITIONER.| |Exhibit P4A|TRUE COPY OF THE DUTY CERTIFICATE NO.B1-| ||9511/07 DATED 4/8/2010 ISSUED BY THE CHARGE| ||CENSUS OFFICER/TAHASILDAR, MANNARKKAD OF THE| ||59TH PETITIONER.| |Exhibit P5|TRUE COPY OF THE GOVERNMENT ORDER G.O.(P)| ||NO.142/2013/G.EDN. DATED 20/4/2013.| |Exhibit P6|TRUE<br>COPY<br>OF<br>THE<br>LETTER| ||NO.42076/G3/2010/G.EDN. DATED 14/5/2013.| |EXHIBIT P7|TRUE COPY OF THE LETTER NO.J.3/25760/2014| ||DATED 28.10.2020 OF THE 4thRESPONDENT|