Ambujakshi P. et al. v. State of Kerala and others

**WP(C) NO. 21205 OF 2021 1** ## **IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM** ## **PRESENT** ## **THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE RAJA VIJAYARAGHAVAN V** **WEDNESDAY, THE 6[TH] DAY OF OCTOBER 2021 / 14TH ASWINA, 1943** ## **WP(C) NO. 21205 OF 2021** ## **PETITIONER/S:** 1 AMBUJAKSHI P. AGED 55 YEARS W/O.VIJAYAKUMAR, LPST, K V A LP SCHOOL MUTHUKURUSSI (PO) MUTHUKURUSSI, THACHAMPARA, PALAKKAD - 678 593, RESIDING AT VELLOOR (HOUSE)(PO) MUTHUKURUSSI, THACHAMPARA, PALAKKAD (DT.) - 678 593. 2 ANJALI K. AGED 46 YEARS W/O.MURUKANAND P.M., UPST, AGMA UP SCHOOL, KODUMBU P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 551 RESIDING AT VARADHAM, KODUMBU P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 551. 3 ARCHANA P. AGED 49 YEARS W/O.K.KUTTIKRISHNAN, F.T.HINDI TEACHER, A.U.P.SCHOOL, APPUPILLAYOOR, ERATTAKULAM (PO), ELAPPULLY, PALAKKAD - 678 622, RESIDING AT KEERTHANAM, BHAGAVATHI NAGAR, NALLEPILLY (P.O.), PALAKKAD - 678 533. 4 ASHARAF C. AGED 47 YEARS S/O.MUHAMMED KUTTY C., LPST, ALPS, THRIKKALUR, AMBALAPPARA, THIRUVIZHAMKUNNU (PO), ALANALLUR (VIA), PALAKKAD - 678 601, RESIDING AT CHEMMANKUZHI (H), THIRUVIZHAMKUNNU (PO), ALANALLUR (VIA), PALAKKAD, PIN - 678 601. 5 BALAKRISHNAN K. AGED 52 YEARS S/O.(LATE) KRISHNANKUTTY GUPTAN, LPST, ST.DOMINIC'S ALP SCHOOL THACHAMPARA, THACHAMPARA (PO), PALAKKAD - 678 593, KOODATHINGAL HOUSE, VAZHAMPURAM (PO), PALAKKAD - 678 595. 6 BINSY JOSEPH AGED 44 YEARS W/O.THOMAS K.V., PHYSICAL EDUCATION TEACHER, AROGYAMATHA HS, KOTTATHARA (PO), PALAKKAD - 678 581, RESIDING AT VADAKKE MURIYIL, PERIMBADARI P.O., **WP(C) NO. 21205 OF 2021 2** PALAKKAD - 678 762. 7 BINU M. AGED 41 YEARS S/O.K.K.MOHANDAS, UPST, A U P SCHOOL, APPUPILLAYOOR, ERATTAKULAM P.O., ELAPULLY, PALAKKAD - 678 622, RESIDING AT BINU NIVAS, VAKKINICHALLA, KUTTIPPALAM, POST, CHITTUR, PALAKKAD - 678 101. 8 GEETHA B. AGED 42 YEARS W/O.RAMANUJAM N., LPST, A.U.P.S.APPUPILLAYOOR, ERATTAKULAM (PO), PALAKKAD - 678 622, RESIDING AT RN NIVAS, ERATTAKULAM (PO), APPUPILLAYOOR, PALAKKAD - 678 622. 9 HAMSA KILAYIL AGED 47 YEARS S/O.KOYA, LPST, ARABIC, V A L P SCHOOL, PUTTANIKKAD, KANDAMANGALAM (PO), PALAKKAD - 678 583, RESIDING AT KILAYIL(H), KOTTOPADAM P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 583. 10 HAMZA P. AGED 51 YEARS S/O.UNNEENKUTTY, F.T.ARABIC TEACHER, A L P SCHOOL, MUNDAKKUNNU, EDATHANATTUKARA, EDATHANATTUKARA P.O., ALANALLUR, PALAKKAD DIST. - 678 601 RESIDING AT PAROKKOT HOUSE, AMBALAPPARA, THIRUVAZHAMKUNNU P.O., ALANALLUR, PALAKKAD DIST. - 678 601. 11 HARIDAS K. AGED 52 YEARS S/O.(LATE) P.GANGADHARAN NAIR, UPST, A.U.P.SCHOOL, APPUPILLAYOOR, ERATTAKULAM P.O., ELAPPULLY, PALAKKAD, PIN - 678 622, RESIDING AT GANGOTHRI, RIVER VIEW GARDENS, KODUMBU P.O., PALAKKAD DIST. - 678 551. 12 JAYA M. AGED 49 YEARS W/O.N.MADHUSOODANAN, LPST, ALP SCHOOL, MANNARKKAD, MANNARKKAD (PO), PALAKKAD (DIST)- 678 582, RESIDING AT SREEKRIPA NAVAYATH, KUMARAMPUTHUR, MANNARKKAD COLLEGE P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 583. 13 JAYASREE V.MENON AGED 51 YEARS W/O.M.B.SURESH, LPST, AGMA UP SCHOOL KODUMBU, KODUMBU P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 551 RESIDING AT INDIVARAM HOUSE, AISWARYA NAGAR, KODUMBU P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 551. **WP(C) NO. 21205 OF 2021 3** 14 JIBYMOLE SKARIAH AGED 50 YEARS W/O.BIJU ZACHARIAH, LPST, A.U.P.S.KALMANDAPAM, PALAKKAD - 678 001 RESIDING AT HOUSE NO.28/765, PARUVAPARAMBIL HOUSE, NEAR CIVIL STATION, PALAKKAD - 678 001. 15 JOTHY M. AGED 49 YEARS W/O.N.SUDHAKARAN, LPST, ALP SCHOOL, MANNARKKAD, MANNARKKAD P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 583 RESIDING AT SREEPADAM, NAVAYATH, NEAR AUPS, KUMARAMPUTHUR (PO), MANNARKKAD COLLEGE, PALAKKAD - 678 582. 16 KUTTIKRISHNAN K. AGED 53 YEARS S/O.(LATE) P.GANGADHARAN NAIR, UPST, A.U.P.SCHOOL, APPUPILLAYOOR, ERATTAKULAM (PO), ELAPPULLY, PALAKKAD - 678 622, RESIDING AT KEERTHANAM, BHAGAVATHI NAGAR, NALLEPILLY (PO), PALAKKAD - 678 553. 17 LITTY MARY MATHEN AGED 53 YEARS W/O.SUNNY K.D., LPST, ST.DOMINIC'S ALPS, THACHAMPARA P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 593 RESIDING AT CHRIST BETHEL, KERALASSERRY P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 641. 18 MANSOOR ALI S. AGED 39 YEARS S/O.SIRAJUDEEN A., UPSA, AUPS APPUPILLAYOOR, ERATTAKULAM P.O., CHITTUR SUB DIST., PALAKKAD - 678 622, RESIDING AT PALLIMEDU, ATHICODE P.O., NATTUKAL VIA., PALAKKAD - 678 554. 19 MURALIKRISHNAN T.U. AGED 41 YEARS S/O.T.UNNIKRISHNAN, UPSA, KPRP HSS KONGAD, PALAKKAD - 678 631, RESIDING AT THIRUTHIMMEL (HOUSE), CHETAYA, KONGAD P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 631. 20 MURALY N. AGED 54 YEARS S/O.NATARAJAN, PHYSICAL EDUCATION TEACHER, AUPS, APPUPILLAYOOR, ERATTAKULAM P.O., ELAPULLY, PALAKKAD - 678 553, RESIDING AT NANDHANAM, OZHALAPATHY P.O., VELANTHAVALAM VIA., CHTTUR, PALAKKAD - 678 557. 21 NIJITH T. AGED 40 YEARS S/O.E.KRISHNAN NAIR (LATE), LPST, A L P SCHOOL **WP(C) NO. 21205 OF 2021** **4** THRIKKALOOR AMBALAPPARA THIRUVIZHAMKUNNU (POST), ALANALLUR (VIA), PALAKKAD - 678 601, RESIDING AT KAMALALAYAM (HOUSE), THIRUVIZHAMKUNNU (PO), ALANALLUR (VIA), PALAKKAD - 678 601. 22 NUSARATH U.K. AGED 44 YEARS W/O.ABDUL RASHEED M., F.T.ARABIC LP TEACHER, KVA LP SCHOOL, MUTHUKURUSSI P.O., THACHAMBARA, PALAKKAD - 678 593, RESIDING AT UK HOUSE, CHANGALEERI P.O., MANNARKKAD, PALAKKAD - 678 762. 23 PARAMESWARY A. AGED 46 YEARS W/O.RAJENDRAN K., LPSA, AUPS APPUPILLAYOOR, ERATTAKULAM (PO), PALAKKAD - 678 622 RESIDING AT KRISHNAKRIPA, ANANTHA STREET, NALLEPPILLY (PO), PALAKKAD - 678 553. 24 PARATHASARATHY K. AGED 50 YEARS S/O.KRISHNAMOORTHY P., F.T.HINDI TEACHER, AUPS APPUPILLAYOOR, ERATTAKULAM (PO), ELAPULLY, PALAKKAD - 678 622, RESIDING AT CHALAKULAM, ERATTAKULAM (PO), ELAPULLY, PALAKKAD - 678 622. 25 PRABHAVATHY P. AGED 48 YEARS W/O.RAJAGOPALAN M., HST, NATURAL SCIENCE, MOUNT CARMEL HSS MAMANNA, JELLIPPARA, PALAKKAD - 678 581, RESIDING AT SREEHARAM, KANJIRAPUZHA P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 591. 26 PRAMOD B. AGED 42 YEARS S/O.K.BALAKRISHNAN, F.T.SANSKRIT TEACHER, AUPS APPUPILLAYOOR, ERATTAKULAM, ELAPPULLI VIA., PALAKKAD - 678 622, RESIDING AT 6/16, 'KRISHNALAYAM', CHUNGAM, PIRAYIRI, PALAKKAD - 678 004. 27 PRASANNA KUMARI ANTHERJANAM N. AGED 55 YEARS W/O.VIJAYAN PILLA R., H.M., AGMA UPS KODUMBU, KODUMBU P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 551. RESIDING AT ASWATHY, KODUMBU P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 551. 28 PREETHY R. AGED 51 YEARS W/O.PARAMESWARAN V., UPSA, SSKASN UP SCHOOL, THEKKEGRAMAM P.O., CHITTUR, PALAKKAD - 678 103, **WP(C) NO. 21205 OF 2021 5** RESIDING AT SIVAPREETHI, AMBAT LANE, ANICODE P.O., CHITTUR, PALAKKAD - 678 101. 29 PRIYA K.G. AGED 48 YEARS W/O.VASUDEVAN T.(LATE), LPSA, AGMA UPS KODUMB, PALAKKAD DIST. - 678 551, RESIDING AT DWARAKA, THEKKE PUTHAN VEEDU, WEST THARA, KUTHANUR (PO), PALAKKAD DIST. - 678 721. 30 R.JEYASRI AGED 50 YEARS W/O.S.MARIMUTHU, UPST, AUPS APPUPILLAYOOR, ERATTAKULAM P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 622, RESIDING AT SREE DEVI, VEERAM POTHAI, ATHICODE P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 554. 31 R.SREELAJA AGED 55 YEARS W/O.U.ARAVINDAKSHAN, FT SANSKRIT TEACHER, UPST, AGMA UPS, KODUMBU, KODUMBU P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 551, RESIDING AT SREENILAYM, KODUMBU P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 551. 32 RAGHULAL R AGED 39 YEARS S/O.RAMADEVAN R., LPST, AUPS APPUPILLAYOOR, ERATTAKKULAM P.O., ELAPPULLY VIA., PALAKKAD - 678 622, RESIDING AT 2/562, SARANGI, PALLIKKAD, APPUPILLAYOOR, ERATTAKKULAM P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 622. 33 REJI A.P. AGED 53 YEARS W/O.KUNJACHAN M.V., LPSA, A L P S, KARAPPADAM, PAYYANEDAM (PO), PALAKKAD - 678 583 RESIDING AT MOLATH (HOUSE), PALLIKUNNU (PO), PALAKKAD - 678 583. 34 REMLA K. AGED 53 YEARS W/O.ABDUL NASSAR P., H.M., PKHMO UPS EDATHANATTUKARA (PO), EDATHANATTUKARA, ALANALLUR (VIA), PALAKKAD - 678 601, RESIDING AT PUTHENKOT PUTHENPURAKKAL (HOUSE), VETTATHUR (PO), MELATTUR (VIA), MALAPPURAM (DIST.) - 679 326. 35 ROSAMMA MATHEW C. AGED 50 YEARS W/O.FRANCIS M.J., LPST, MOUNT CARMEL LPS, MAMANA, JELLIPPARA P.O., AGALI, PALKKAD - 678 581, RESIDING AT MANIYAMKERIL HOUSE, JELLIPPARA P.O., AGALI VIA., **WP(C) NO. 21205 OF 2021 6** PALAKKAD DIST. - 678 581. 36 SASIKUMAR P. AGED 49 YEARS S/O.PONNAMBALAN, LPST, ALPS THRIKKALOOR, AMBALAPPARA, THIRUVAZHAMKUNNU (PO), PALAKKAD -678 601, RESIDING AT PADINHARUVEETTIL, EDATHANATTUKARA (PO), ALANALLUR (VIA), PALAKKAD - 678 601. 37 SEENA A. AGED 40 YEARS W/O.SALIM V.T., LPST, KVA LPS MUTHUKURUSSI, MUTHUKURUSSI, THACHAMPARA, PALAKKAD - 678 593,. RESIDING AT VALIYATHODI HOUSE, MANNARKKAD COLLEGE (PO), PALAKKAD - 678 583. 38 SENTHILKUMAR B. AGED 42 YEARS S/O.BALASUBRAMANIAN, HST, TAMIL, SREE KRISHNA HIGH SCHOOL, NALLEPILLY, PALAKKAD - 678 553 RESIDING AT THAIKKAT HOUSE, KALLANGAD, NALLEPILLY, PALAKKAD - 678 553. 39 SHAHIDA T. AGED 35 YEARS W/O.MUJEEB RAHIMAN, UPST, TAM UPS EDATHANATTUKARA (WEST), EDATHANATTUKARA P.O., ALANALLUR (VIA), PALAKKAD (DT.) - 678 601, RESIDING AT KUNNATHU PALLIYALIL(H), EDATHANATTUKARA P.O., ALANALLUR (VIA), PALAKKAD (DT.) - 678 601. 40 SHEEJA P. AGED 49 YEARS W/O.HAZRTH V., F.T.HINDI, PKHMOUP SCHOOL, EDATHANATTUKKARA, EDATHANATTUKARA P.O., PALAKKAD (DT.) - 678 601, RESIDING AT PUTHENKOTT (H), EDATHANATTUKARA (PO), PALAKKAD (DT.) - 678 601. 41 SHEEJA MOL P. AGED 48 YEARS W/O.MOHAMMED SHAREEF M., UPST, PKHMOUPS EDATHANATTUKARA, EDATHANATTUKARA P.O., ALANALLUR, PALAKKAD - 678 601, RESIDING AT MUNDAYIL(H), ARIYOOR (P.O.), ARYAMBAVU, MANNARKKAD, PALAKKAD - 678 583. 42 SHIRLY C.O. AGED 54 YEARS W/O.ANTU C.C., HST PHYSICS, AROGYAMATHA H.S., KOTTATHARA, KOTTATHARA P.O., ATTAPPADY, PALAKKAD DISTRICT, PIN - 678 581, RESIDING AT CHOWARAN HOUSE, **WP(C) NO. 21205 OF 2021** **7** MATTOOR SOUTH, KALADY P.O., ERNAKULAM DIST., PIN - 683 574. 43 SHYNI K.J. AGED 49 YEARS W/O.MONS VARGHESE, LPST, KVA LPS MUTHUKURUSSI P.O., PALAKKAD (DT.) - 678 593 RESIDING AT ROY VILLA, MANNARKKAD COLLEGE P.O., PALAKKAD (DT.) - 678 583. 44 SOJA C.P. AGED 53 YEARS W/O.DOLLY P.G., LPST, NALP SCHOOL, IRUMBAKACHOLA P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 591 RESIDING AT PALLIVATHUKKAL HOUSE, KANJIRAPUZHA P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 591. 45 SREELAKSHMY K.A. AGED 34 YEARS W/O.ANOOP A.K., UPST, A.U.P.S.APPUPILLAYOOR, ERATTAKULAM (P.O.), PALAKKAD - 678 622, RESIDING AT 9/524, SOWPARNIKA(H), KANNANMEDU, KOZHINJAMPARA (PO), PALAKKAD - 678 555. 46 SUBAIDA MANBALLI AGED 55 YEARS W/O.NIJABDHEEN P.S., HST, ARABIC, ASMM HSS, ALATHUR P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 541, RESIDING AT KADAMKODE KALAM, VENGANNOOR, ALATHUR P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 541. 47 SUMITHRA R. AGED 47 YEARS W/O.VIJAYAN M., LPST, ALPS PAZHAMBALACODE, PAZHAMBALACODE (PO), PALAKKAD - 678 544, RESIDING AT NADAKKAVIL HOUSE, NADAKKAV, PADUR (PO), PALAKKAD - 678 543. 48 SYAMPRASAD DHARMA PUTHRAN P. AGED 47 YEARS S/O.KRISHNANKUTTY NAIR, L.G.HINDI TEACHER, KA HHS, KOTTOPPADAM, KOTTOPPADAM P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 583, RESIDING AT PALLATH HOUSE, PALLIKURUP P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 582. 49 TEENA PAUL UKKEN AGED 50 YEARS W/O.SEBASTIAN P.L., LPST, ALPS, KARAPPADAM, PAYYANADAM P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 583 RESIDING AT PERAMANGALAM HOUSE, THRISSUR MEDICAL COLLEGE P.O., THRISSUR - 680 596. 50 VENKITESWARAN K. **WP(C) NO. 21205 OF 2021 8** AGED 43 YEARS S/O.KRISHNAMOORTHY P., UPST, AUPS APPUPPILAYOOR, ERATTAKULAM (PO), ELAPULLY, PALAKKAD - 678 622, RESIDING AT CHALAKULAM, ERATTAKULAM (PO), ELAPULLY, PALAKKAD - 678 622. 51 VILASINI K. AGED 53 YEARS W/O.JAYAPRAKASH C.K., UPST, A G M A U P S, KODUMBU, KODUMBU (PO), PALAKKAD - 678 551 RESIDING AT "SREEKRISHNA", KUNNUMPURAM, KALPATHY (PO), PALAKKAD - 678 003. 52 VINODH M.N. AGED 50 YEARS S/O.K.NARAYANAN, HST, MALAYALAM, SMM HSS PAZHAMBALACODE, PALAKKAD - 678 544 RESIDING AT VINODHBHAVAN, MUDAPPALLUR P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 705. 53 SHEREENA M. AGED 48 YEARS W/O.ZACHARIA U., UPSA, ASMM HSS, ALATHUR (PO), PALAKKAD - 678 541, RESIDING AT IHAB, NEAR MODEL CENTRAL SCHOOL, VENGANNUR, ALATHUR (PO), PALAKKAD - 678 541. 54 LISHADAS K. AGED 52 YEARS W/O.SIVADASAN N., HEADMISTRESS, UNITY AUPS THENKARA, MANNARKKAD P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 582, RESIDING AT RAGAM, KTA NAGAR, PUTHUPPARIYARAM P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 731. 55 SOLY THOMAS J. AGED 50 YEARS S/O.MARTIN LUKOSE, LPST, UNITY AUPS THENKARA, MANNARKKAD P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 582 RESIDING AT MANIYANGATTU, KOTTAPPURAM P.O., SREEKRISHNAPURAM (VIA), PALAKKAD, PIN - 679 513. 56 MARIAMMA MATHEW AGED 53 YEARS W/O.STANLEY THOMAS, UPST, UNITY AUPS THENKARA, MANNARKKAD P.O.,PALAKKAD - 678 582 RESIDING AT VAKANIL HOUSE, ARYANGODE, MANNARKKAD P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 582. 57 SANTHOSH KUMAR C. AGED 52 YEARS S/O.BALAKRISHNAN NAIR,UPST, UNITY AUPS THENKARA, **WP(C) NO. 21205 OF 2021** **9** MANNARKKAD P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 582, RESIDING AT CHOORATHIL HOUSE, MANNARKKAD COLLEGE POST, PALAKKAD - 678 583. 58 SINI S.NATH AGED 54 YEARS W/O.RADHAKRISHNAN P., LPST, UNIT AUPS THENKARA MANNARKKAD P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 582, RESIDING AT NANDANAM, JUBILEE NAGAR, CHECKPOST JN., MANNARKKAD P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 582. 59 BIJIMOL JOSEPH AGED 48 YEARS W/O.TOMS VARGHESE, LPSA, UNITY AUPS THENKARA, MANNARKKAD P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 582 RESIDING AT SANDRAM, MANNARKKAD COLLEGE (PO), KUMARAMPUTHUR, PALAKKAD - 678 583. 60 USHADEVI K. AGED 54 YEARS W/O.PREMADAS P.S., HINDI TEACHER, UNITY AUPS THENKARA, MANNARKKAD (PO), PALAKKAD - 678 582, RESIDING AT USHAS, ARAYANKODE, MANNARKKAD P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 582. 61 SAJINA M.NAIR AGED 47 YEARS W/O.UNNIKRISHNAN A., LPST, UNITY AUPS THENKARA, MANNARKKAD (PO), PALAKKAD - 678 582, RESIDING AT ARIMBRAPUTHANKALAM, PALAMPATTA, POTTASSERY (PO), MANNARKKAD, PALAKKAD - 678 598. 62 JYOTHILAKSHMI P.M. AGED 49 YEARS W/O.SATHIANATHAN V.S., UPST, UNITY AUPS THENKARA, MANNARKKAD (PO), PALAKKAD - 678 582, RESIDING AT PANCHAJANYAM (H), THACHAMPARA P.O, PALAKKAD - 678 593. 63 REENA A.J. AGED 50 YEARS D/O.LATE A.V.JOHN, LPST, UNITY AUPS THENKARA, MANNARKKAD, PALAKKAD - 678 582, RESIDING AT GRACEVILLA, VIYYAKURUSSI (PO), AMBALAPPARAMBU, NOTTAMMALA, PALAKKAD - 678 593. 64 GIRIJA A. AGED 47 YEARS W/O.RAJENDRAKUMAR, UPST, UNITY AUPS THENKARA, MANNARKKAD (PO), PALAKKAD - 678 582, RESIDING AT **WP(C) NO. 21205 OF 2021 10** APPULLY HOUSE, MANNARKAD P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 582. 65 ABDU CHAKKALAKUNNAN AGED 49 YEARS S/O.HAMZA, ARABIC TEACHER, UNITY AUPS THENKARA, MANNARKKAD (PO), PALAKKAD - 678 582, RESIDING AT CHAKKALAKUNNAN, ARAKKU PARAMBA (PO), PERINTHALMANNA (VIA), MALAPPURAM - 679 322. 66 SHYMALA M. AGED 49 YEARS W/O.RAJANANDANAN C., LPST, UNITY AUPS THENKARA, MANNARKKAD (PO), PALAKKAD - 678 582, RESIDING AT PRANAVAM, NANJAPPA NAGAR, T.S.ROAD, MANNARKKAD P.O., PALAKKAD DIST. - 678 582. 67 RAJALAKSHMI G. AGED 47 YEARS W/O.K.P.SASIKUMAR, LPST, UNITY AUPS THENKARA, MANNARKKAD (PO), PALAKKAD - 678 582, RESIDING AT KRISHNA NIVAS, ARAYANCOD, MANNARKKAD P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 582. 68 ALI P.P. AGED 54 YEARS S/O.LATE ABDULLA P.P., UPST, UNITY AUPS THENKARA, MANNARKKAD (PO), PALAKKAD - 678 582, RESIDING AT PARAMBIL PEEDIKAKKAL (H), PONNAMKODE, THACHAMPARA P.O., MANNARKKAD, PALAKKAD DIST. - 678 593. 69 BABU V.B. AGED 46 YEARS S/O.BABY, PHYSICAL EDUCATION TEACHER, UNITY AUPS THENKARA, MANNARKKAD, PALAKKAD - 678 582, RESIDING AT VETTATHUKAVIL, UPPPUKULAM P.O., PONPARA, PALAKKAD - 678 601. 70 SANTHOSHKUMAR K.B. AGED 47 YEARS S/O.K.M.BALAKRISHNAN, F.T.URDU, UNITY AUPS THENKARA, MANNARKKAD (PO), PALAKKAD - 678 582, RESIDING AT SAROVARAM, THACHAMPARA P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 593. 71 HAFSATH K. AGED 49 YEARS W/O.KUNHIPPU, FT URDU, UNITY AUPS THENKARA, MANNARKKAD (PO), PALAKKAD - 678 582, RESIDING AT MUNDAKKOTTIL H, PALLIKKUNNU P.O., MANNARKKAD, PALAKKAD - 678 582. **WP(C) NO. 21205 OF 2021 11** 72 RAJI M. AGED 46 YEARS W/O.SANTHOSH P., UPST, UNITY AUPS THENKARA, MANNARKKAD (PO), PALAKKAD - 678 582, RESIDING AT KRISHNA NIVAS, JAWAHAR NAGAR, PUNCHAKODE, THENKARA (PO), MANNARKKAD, PALAKKAD - 678 582. 73 SHIJI THOMAS AGED 46 YEARS W/O.ROY JOSEPH, ASSISTANT TEACHER, UNITY AUPS THENKARA, MANNARKKAD (PO), PALAKKAD - 678 582, RESIDING AT AISWARYA NIVAS, SIVAN KUNNU ROAD, MANNARKKAD P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 582. 74 VAIDHYANATH H. AGED 33 YEARS S/O.HARIDASAN A.V., FT SANSKRIT, UNION UP SCHOOL, PALLIPURAM P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 006 RESIDING AT POOVARINJI KALAM, VADAVANNUR P.O., PALAKKAD, PIN - 678 504. 75 SOOSANNA A.J. AGED 46 YEARS W/O.KURIAN THOMAS, SANSKRIT TEACHER, UNITY AUPS THENKARA MANNARKKAD P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 582, RESIDING AT IRIKUZHIYIL(H), ARAKKURUSSI P.O., MANNARKKAD, PALAKKAD - 678 582. 76 SANSAR BABU K. AGED 42 YEARS S/O.MUHAMMADALI, HST, PHYSICAL SCIENCE, MES HSS MANNARKKAD, MANNARKKAD COLLEGE P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 583, RESIDING AT KONDAYATH HOUSE, PAYYANADAM P.O., MANNARKKAD, PALAKKAD - 678 583. 77 NAJIMUDHEEN K. AGED 41 YEARS S/O.KAREEM, LPST, CLVA LPS OZHALAPATHY, OZHALAPATHY P.O., CHITTUR, PALAKKAD - 678 557, RESIDING AT ATHICODE, ATHICODE P.O., CHITTUR, PALAKKAD - 678 554. 78 MARGARATE LEEMA M. AGED 40 YEARS W/O.JOSEPH ABRAHAM, LPST, CLVA LPS OZHALAPATHY, OZHALAPATHY P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 557 RESIDING AT VELLACHIKULAM, KOZHIPPARA (PO), PALAKKAD - 678 557. 79 SAVITHA S AGED 36 YEARS W/O.DINESH CHANDRAN M., UPST, PERINGODE BASIC AND UP **WP(C) NO. 21205 OF 2021** **12** SCHOOL PARASSERI, KONGAD P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 631, RESIDING AT VANDANA, KANHIKULAM P.O., KALLADIKKODE (VIA), PALAKKAD - 678 596. 80 DINESHKUMAR K.P. AGED 47 YEARS S/O.DAMODARAN M.V., HST, HINDI, MES HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL, MANNARKKAD COLLEGE PO, PALAKKAD - 678 583, RESIDING AT KARIPPAL PADINJARE HOUSE, MANNARKKAD COLLEGE P.O., CHUNGAM, PALAKKAD - 678 583. 81 SUMESH K.G. AGED 42 YEARS S/O.C.R.GANGADHARAN NAIR, HST, HINDI, MES HSS MANNARKKAD, MANNARKKAD COLLEGE P.O., PALAKKAD DIST. - 678 583, RESIDING AT KODIYATH HOUSE, PANNIANKARA POST, PALAKKAD - 678 683. 82 M.P.SREEKUMAR AGED 53 YEARS S/O.C.K.GOVINDANKUTTY NAIR, HM, NEUP SCHOOL KERALASSERY, KERALASSERY P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 641 RESIDING AT SREERAGAM, KERALASSERY P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 641. 83 P.K.MOHANAN AGED 49 YEARS S/O.K.K.KRISHNAN NAMBIAR, UPST, NEUP SCHOOL KERALASSERY, KERALASSERY P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 641, RESIDING AT PUTHUR KALAM HOUSE, KATTUKULAM SOUTH, P.O.THIRUVAZHIYODE, PALAKKAD - 679 514. 84 P.K.ANSAR AGED 39 YEARS S/O.KUNCHUMARAKKAR, FULL TIME ARABIC TEACHER, NEUP SCHOOL KERALASSERY, KERALASSERY P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 641, RESIDING AT PANANCHIKKAL HOUSE, KALLUR P.O., MANKARA, PALAKKAD - 678 613. 85 VANAJA K. AGED 51 YEARS D/O.KUNJUKUTTAN NAIR (LATE), UPST, PERINGODE BASIC AND UP SCHOOL, PARASSERY P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 631, RESIDING AT GANAPATHIYIL HOUSE, KARAKURUSSY P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 595. 86 SALAHUDHEEN P.P. AGED 52 YEARS S/O.ABDU P.P., HST (SOCIAL SCIENCE), KALLADI HSS KUMARAMPUTHUR, KUMARAMPUTHUR P.O., MANNARKKAD, **WP(C) NO. 21205 OF 2021** **13** PALAKKAD - 678 582. RESIDING AT PARAPPURAVAN HOUSE, PUNCHAKODE, THENKARA P.O., MANNARKKAD, PALAKKAD - 678 582. 87 SIVA PRASAD P. AGED 46 YEARS S/O.SIVA SANKARAN NAIR (LATE), HST, (SOCIAL SCIENCE), KALLADI HSS KUMARAMPUTHUR, MANNARKKAD COLLEGE P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 582, RESIDING AT SIVANDHANAM, ALANALLUR P.O., MANNARKKAD, PALAKKAD - 678 601. 88 NIRMAL KUMAR R. AGED 37 YEARS S/O.RATHNA SWAMY, UPSA, ST.PAUL'S HIGH SCHOOL KOZHINJAMPARA, KOZHINJAMPARA P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 555, RESIDING AT KOTTILPARA, KOZHIPARA P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 557. 89 A.JOSEPHIN VASANTHI AGED 49 YEARS W/O.HENDY ALEXIS (LATE), UPSA, ST.PAUL'S HIGH SCHOOL KOZHINJAMPARA, KOZHINJAMPARA P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 555, RESIDING AT ARULAM HOUSE, KOZHIPARA P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 557. 90 J.A.ANDROSE EDWARD AGED 49 YEARS S/O.JOSEPH ADAIKKALASWAMY, UPSA, ST.PAUL'S HIGH SCHOOL, KOZHINJAMPARA P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 555, RESIDING AT BARTHALOM MANIYAM HOUSE, GODWILL, KAIRALI GREEN CITY, KARUVAPPARA, KOZHINJAMPARA P.O., PALAKKAD -678 555. 91 PRINCY P.D. AGED 48 YEARS W/O.BABUPETER, HST, PHYSICAL SCIENCE, ST.PAUL'S HIGH SCHOOL KOZHINJAMPARA, KOZHINJAMPARA P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 555, RESIDING AT AMBHAZHAKKAT HOUSE, PIRAYIRI P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 004. BY ADVS. K.SANDESH RAJA SHANKAR V. ## **RESPONDENT/S:** 1 THE STATE OF KERALA REP. BY ITS SECRETARY, SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT, GENERAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, SECRETARIAT, ANNEX-II, **WP(C) NO. 21205 OF 2021 14** ||THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - 695 001.| |---|---| |2|THE DIRECTOR OF CENSUS OPERATION| ||DIRECTORATE OF CENSUS OPERATIONS, KERALA, CGO| ||COMPLEX, PONKULAM, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - 695 522.| |3|THE DIRECTOR OF GENERAL EDUCATION| ||JAGATHY, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - 695 014.| |4|THE DISTRICT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION| ||CIVIL STATION, PALAKKAD - 678 001.| |5|THE DISTRICT EDUCATIONAL OFFICER| ||MANNARKKAD, PALAKKAD DIST. - 678 582.| |6|THE DISTRICT EDUCATIONAL OFFICER| ||OTTAPPALAM, PALAKKAD - 678 103.| |7|THE DISTRICT EDUCATIONAL OFFICER| ||PALAKKAD P.O., PALAKKAD - 679 101.| |8|THE ASSISTANT EDUCATIONAL OFFICER| ||KOPPAM P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 001.| |9|THE ASSISTANT EDUCATIONAL OFFICER| ||CHITTUR, PALAKKAD - 678 101.| |10|THE ASSISTANT EDUCATIONAL OFFICER| ||ALATHUR, PALAKKAD - 678 682.| |11|THE ASSISTANT EDUCATIONAL OFFICER| ||MANNARKKAD, PALAKKAD - 678 582.| |12|THE ASSISTANT EDUCATIONAL OFFICER| ||PARLI, PALAKKAD - 679 611.| |13|THE ASSISTANT EDUCATIONAL OFFICER| ||CHERPULASSERY, PALAKKAD - 679 503.| SRI BIJOY CHANDRAN, SR GP THIS WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 06.10.2021, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING: **WP(C) NO. 21205 OF 2021** **15** ## **JUDGMENT** The petitioners herein are aided school teachers serving in the Lower Primary, Upper Primary, High School and Higher Secondary sections under various managements in the Palakkad district. They have approached this Court being aggrieved by the order issued by the respondents directing them to return the amounts paid to them for undertaking the enumerator 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. It is the case of the petitioners that they had undertaken the enumerator work in connection with the preparation of the NPR on the basis of the list prepared by the District Administration. They were issued with letters by the revenue authorities and they were directed to report for the Census Training Programme to be held on 5th -7th of April, 2010 in various centres in the Palakkad District. After completion of the training, they had undertaken the census operation from 12.4.2010 to 27.5.2010. All the petitioners are stated to have worked for 45 days after the training. The revenue authorities have certified that the petitioners have engaged themselves during the aforesaid period in connection with the Census duty as is evident from Exts.P4 and P4(a) issued in respect of petitioner No.3 and 78. They contend that similar certificates have been issued to others as well. The Headmaster of the **WP(C) NO. 21205 OF 2021** **16** respective school has sanctioned Earned Leave Surrender for a period of 24 days and the same has been sanctioned by the concerned AEOs after verifying the original of the duty certificate. The petitioners assert that they had worked for 48 days during vacation including the three days training programme. 3. According to the petitioners, the Government on the recommendation of the Census Department had issued an order dated 14.10.2009 prescribing the conditions for engaging teachers for the purpose of conducting census. They contend that based on requests from various organizations, the Government had issued Ext.P1 order which states that teachers who are engaged in Census duty and similar works are eligible for proportionate earned leave for the period during which they are prevented from availing vacation as provided in Rule 81 Part I of the KSR and the above Earned Leave should be sanctioned to those teachers who engage in such works during vacation time. Later, Ext.P2 order was issued by the Government ordering that the workers, the details of which are mentioned therein, who are appointed as supervisors/enumerators will be allowed the concession of absenting themselves from the institution/office on census duty for half day either in the forenoon or in the afternoon on 32 working days from 12.4.2010 to 27.5.2010 or the full day for 16 working days between 12.4.2010 to 27.5.2010 or the full day for 16 working days between 12.4.2010 to 27.5.2010 for the house listing and housing census and preparation of NPR. 4. It is further contended that later by Ext.P5 order dated 20.4.2013, **WP(C) NO. 21205 OF 2021** **17** the Government turned around and ordered that Earned Leave Surrender can be granted only for eight days proceeding on the premise that the house listing work can be completed in 16 days. According to the petitioners, Ext.P5 order was passed about three years after Ext.P1 order. It is further submitted that Ext.P2 order is not applicable to teachers of the vacation department and the same has been clarified by the census department by Ext.P3 letter. 5. The petitioners state that having worked for 45 days and undergone training for three days, they could not have been denied the rights which were granted to them by Exts.P1 and P2 orders. They contend that the Government, after considering the grievance of the petitioners, had issued Ext.P6 order and had directed the respondents not to implement Ext.P5 Government Order until further notice. 6. According to the petitioners, after about 7 years, steps are being taken to recover the amount granted to them for a period of 16 days and Ext.P5 order is attempted to be enforced. The petitioners contend that the aided school teachers in Ernakulam District had occasion to approach this Court being aggrieved by the recovery of the amounts and this Court by judgment dated 31.3.2021 had interfered with the orders of the Deputy Director and interdicted the recovery of the Earned Leave amount. It is in the afore circumstances that the petitioners are before this Court seeking the following reliefs: “(i) issue a writ of certiorari or other appropriate writ order or **WP(C) NO. 21205 OF 2021** **18** direction setting aside the Exts.P5 and P7. (ii) to declare that the petitioners are entitled to Earned Leave surrender for 24 days for doing Census duty work from 12.4.2020 to 27.5.2010. (iii) issue a writ of mandamus or any other appropriate order or direction directing the respondents to disburse the salary and other emoluments including increment and pay revision benefits, and retirement benefits without recovering the amounts due as per Ext.P5 to the petitioners.” 7. I have heard Sri. Sandesh Raja. K., the learned counsel appearing for the petitioners and Sri.Bijoy Chandran, the learned Senior Government Pleader. 8. I have considered the submissions. The materials placed on record reveal that the petitioners were engaged as enumerators and after undergoing training for three days they had conducted house listing and housing census operations in connection with the preparation of NPR from 12.04.2010 to 27.05.2010. Exhibit P1 would reveal that they have been granted the benefit of earned leave as per the relevant provisions of Part I of the KSR. There is no case for the respondents that any benefit was obtained by the petitioners on account of any fault or error or reasons that can be attributed to him/her so as to initiate recovery of the amount which is stated to have been paid in excess. 9. I find that an identical issue was raised by teachers in various schools under the Education Department in Ernakulam District and a learned Single Judge of this Court relying on the declaration of law in State of **Punjab** **WP(C) NO. 21205 OF 2021** **19** **v. Rafiq Masih (White Washer)** [(2015) 4 SCC 334) had interfered with the orders passed by the Deputy Director. While disposing of the writ petition, this Court had occasion to observe as follows in paragraph Nos. 8 to 13 of the judgment in W.P.(C) No. 9205/2020. “8. The petitioners specifically contend that they had been engaged as Enumerators in the year 2010 and they had been given the benefit of earned leave as per Rule 81 of Part I KSR; and that this was offered to them on the strength of valid orders, without any misrepresentation or reasons that can be attributed against them. 9. They say that, therefore, merely because Government now says that the process of Enumeration could have been done in 16 days and therefore, that teachers are entitled only to 8 days of earned leave, the Deputy Director could not have recovered any amount from them on such basis. 10. They say that this is more so because the Government themselves have issued an order dated 14.05.2013, freezing their earlier order directing recovery; and that this is still in force. 11. As a corollary adjunct to the afore contentions, petitioners say that even if any recovery is possible, the same is impermissible at this time on account of the ratio of the Hon'ble Supreme Court in Rafiq Masih (Supra) and that therefore, the impugned orders be set aside. 12. There can be no doubt that the ratio in Rafiq Masih (Supra) is unmistakable that unless a benefit has been obtained by an employee on account of any fault or error or reasons that can be attributed to him/her, such recovery is not possible after more than eight or nine years, as has been attempted in this case. **WP(C) NO. 21205 OF 2021** **20** 13. The declarations in Rafiq Masih (Supra) make it further indubitable that the recovery ordered against persons who are nearing retirement, with respect to benefits that were given to them under valid and legal orders, cannot be recovered merely on the ground that such sanctions were in error at the time when they were issued.” 10. I respectfully concur with the observations and findings of the learned Single Judge. 11. In that view of the matter, the petitioners are entitled to succeed. The writ petition will stand allowed. Exts P5 and P7 will stand quashed. There will be a declaration that the petitioners are entitled to Earned Leave Surrender for engaging in census duty from 12.4.2010 to 27.5.2010 and the respondents are directed to disburse the salary, emoluments and other benefits due to the petitioners without recovering the amount due as per Ext.P5. There will be no order as to costs. ## **Sd/-** **RAJA VIJAYARAGHAVAN V JUDGE** DSV **WP(C) NO. 21205 OF 2021 21** ## **APPENDIX OF WP(C) 21205/2021** PETITIONER (S) 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 P3(a) TYPED COPY OF EXHIBIT P3. EXHIBIT P4 TRUE COPY OF THE DUTY CERTIFICATE DATED 24/7/2010 ISSUED BY THE CHARGE CENSUS OFFICER & TAHASILDAR, CHITTUR TO THE 3RD PETITIONER. EXHIBIT P4 (a) TRUE COPY OF THE DUTY CERTIFICATE DATED 24/7/2010 ISSUED BY THE CHARGE CENSUS OFFICER & TAHASILDAR, CHITTUR TO THE 78TH PETITIONER. EXHIBIT P5 TRUE COPY OF THE GOVERNMENT ORDER G.O.(P) NO.142/2013/G.EDN. DATED 20/4/2013. EXHIBIT P6 TRUE COPY OF THE 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 4TH RESPONDENT. RESPONDENT (S) EXHIBITS : NIL