High Court of KeralaSingle JudgeDisposed of

Corporate Manager (Fr. Joy Adambukulam) v. State of Kerala & Others

Case / Petition Number:WP(C) NO.14371 of 2025
Neutral Citation:2025:KER:30432

Case Details & Bench

Court
High Court of Kerala
Hon'ble Judges
  • N. Nagareesh
Judgment Date
2025-04-07
Court Decision / Holding
The writ petition is disposed of directing the 1st respondent to consider and pass orders on Ext. P15 within four months, in the light of Exts. P10 and P11.
Final Disposition
Disposed of

Parties to the Case

Appellants / Petitioners

  • The Corporate Manager (Fr. Joy Adambukulam), Corporate Educational Agency, Arch Diocese of Thrissur

Respondents

  • The State of Kerala represented by its Principal Secretary to Government, General Education Department, Secretariat Annex II, Thiruvananthapuram, PIN 695001
  • The Director of General Education (Higher Secondary) New Building, Ulloor Lane, Jagathy, Thiruvananthapuram, PIN 695014
  • The Director of General Education Jagathy, Thiruvananthapuram, PIN 695014
  • The Regional Deputy Director of Higher Secondary Education, ERNAKULAM, PIN 682030
  • The Deputy Director of Education Ayyanthole, Thrissur District, PIN 680003
  • The District Educational Officer Chembukav, Thrissur District, PIN 680020
  • The District Educational Officer Chavakkad, Thrissur District, PIN 680506
  • The District Educational Officer Irinjalakkuda, Thrissur District, PIN 680121
  • The Assistant Educational Officer Irinjalakkuda, Thrissur District, PIN 680121
  • The Assistant Educational Officer Kunnamkulam, Thrissur District, PIN 680561
  • The Assistant Educational Officer Kunnamkulam, Thrissur District, PIN 680503
  • The Assistant Educational Officer Chavakkad, Thrissur District, PIN 680506
  • The Assistant Educational Officer Vaddakkara, Thrissur District, PIN 673101
  • The Assistant Educational Officer Thrissur West, Thrissur District, PIN 680001
  • The Assistant Educational Officer Thrissur East, Thrissur District, PIN 680005
  • The Assistant Educational Officer Mullassery, Thrissur District, PIN 680509
  • The Assistant Educational Officer Vallappad, Thrissur District, PIN 680567

Legal Representation & Advocates

Counsels for Petitioners

  • • V.A. Muhammed
  • • M. Sajjad

Counsels for Respondents

  • • P. Santhosh Kumar, SPL Government Pleader

Case Synopsis & Summary

The Kerala High Court, in WP(C) No.14371 of 2025, deals with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 and the 4% PwD reservation in appointments in aided educational institutions run by the Archdiocese of Thrissur. The petitioner, the Corporate Manager of the Corporate Educational Agency, contends that PwD posts have been earmarked and vacancies created, with processing by the Employment Exchange for posts listed in Exhibits P3–P9. Despite compliance, regular posts under the Management remain unprocessed due to the non-availability of qualified PwD candidates. The NSS Management sought and obtained an apex Court order (Ext. P10) on 04.03.2025, and the government issued Ext. P11 on 17.03.2025; the petitioner argues these benefits should extend to similarly situated Managements, not only those before the apex Court. The court cites Central Finance and Investments v. Secretary, Kothamangalam Municipality (2021) and Somukuttan Nair v. State of Kerala (1997) to support extending such benefits. While adverting to Exts. P10–P11, the judge does not decide broadly at this stage, noting Ext.P15 pending before the government. The court directs the government to consider Ext. P15 in light of Exts. P10 and P11 and to pass orders within four months, disposing of the petition accordingly.

Provisions of Law Cited

Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (RPWD Act, 2016) — 4% reservation in appointments for persons with disabilities; Turn of appointments 1, 26, 51, 76.

Submissions & Arguments

Contentions of Appellants / Petitioners

The petitioner contends that the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 mandates 4% PwD reservation in appointments, including in aided schools, and that the management has earmarked PwD posts (Exts. P3–P9). It is argued that Exts. P10 (Supreme Court order) and Ext. P11 (government order) should be extended beyond NSS Management to similarly situated entities, and Ext. P15 is pending before the Government. The petitioner seeks a direction to consider Ext. P15 in light of Exts. P10 and P11.

Contentions of Respondents

The respondents contend that Ext. P11 applies only to NSS Management; the apex court order (Ext. P10) is not shown to be universally applicable to all managements; the Government’s position is that relief should be granted in accordance with the NSS-related orders and applicable laws, with final decisions on Ext. P15 to be taken in due course.

Cited Precedents (3)

Case NameCitationTreatmentExplanation
Central Finance and Investments and another v. Secretary, Kothamangalam Municipality and others2021 (6) KHC 59PositiveCited and applied to support extending benefits (Exts. P10 and P11) to the petitioner and similarly situated entities.
Somukuttan Nair v. State of Kerala1997 KHC 114PositiveCited to reinforce the view that benefits should not be denied to similarly situated persons.
Order in Civil Appeal No. SLP No.11373/2024SLP 11373/2024Mentioned OnlyA Supreme Court order cited for context; its scope is limited to NSS-related parties and not automatically applicable to all similar Managements.

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Extracted Judgment Text

Exact text extracted from official judgment records.

``` 2025:KER:30432 ``` **==> picture [58 x 58] intentionally omitted <==** # **`IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM`** # **`PRESENT`** ``` THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE N.NAGARESH ``` ``` MONDAY, THE 7[TH] DAY OF APRIL 2025 / 17TH CHAITHRA, 1947 ``` ``` WP(C) NO. 14371 OF 2025 ``` ## **`PETITIONER:`** ``` THE CORPORATE MANAGER (FR.JOY ADAMBUKULAM), CORPORATE EDUCATIONAL AGENCY, ARCHDIOCESE OF THRISSUR AGED 55 YEARS S/O A.L.ROCKY ADAMBUKULAM, (RESIDING AT SACRED HEART CHURCH, CHEMBUKAVU, THRISSUR DISTRICT), PIN - 680005 ``` ``` BY ADVS. V.A.MUHAMMED M.SAJJAD ``` ## **`RESPONDENTS:`** ``` 1THE STATE OF KERALA REPRESENTED BY ITS PRINCIPAL SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT, GENERAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, SECRETARIAT ANNEX II, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, PIN - 695001 ``` ``` 2THE DIRECTOR OF GENERAL EDUCATION (HIGHER SECONDARY) NEW BUILDING, ULLOOR LANE, JAGATHY, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, PIN - 695014 ``` ``` 2025:KER:30432 ``` **==> picture [58 x 58] intentionally omitted <==** ``` WP(C) NO.14371 of 2025 ``` ``` 2 ``` - **`3 THE DIRECTOR OF GENERAL EDUCATION JAGATHY,THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, PIN - 695014`** - **`4 THE REGIONAL DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF HIGHER SECONDARY EDUCATION OFFICE OF THE REGIONAL DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF HIGHER SECONDARY EDUCATION, ERNAKULAM, PIN - 682030`** - **`5 THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION AYYANTHOLE, THRISSUR DISTRICT, PIN - 680003`** - **`6 THE DISTRICT EDUCATIONAL OFFICER CHEMBUKKAV, THRISSUR DISTRICT, PIN - 680020`** - **`7 THE DISTRICT EDUCATIONAL OFFICER CHAVAKKAD, THRISSUR DISTRICT, PIN - 680506`** - **`8 THE DISTRICT EDUCATIONAL OFFICER IRIJALAKKUDA, THRISSUR DISTRICT, PIN - 680121`** - **`9 THE ASSISTANT EDUCATIONAL OFFICER IRINJALAKUDA, THRISSUR DISTRICT, PIN - 680121`** - **`10 THE ASSISTANT EDUCATIONAL OFFICER KUNNAMKULAM, THRISSUR DISTRICT, PIN - 680561`** - **`11 THE ASSISTANT EDUCATIONAL OFFICER KUNNAMKULAM, THRISSUR DISTRICT, PIN - 680503`** - **`12 THE ASSISTANT EDUCATIONAL OFFICER CHAVAKKAD, THRISSUR DISTRICT, PIN - 680506`** ``` 2025:KER:30432 ``` ``` WP(C) NO.14371 of 2025 ``` **==> picture [58 x 58] intentionally omitted <==** ``` 3 ``` - **`13 THE ASSISTANT EDUCATIONAL OFFICER VADAKKARA, THRISSUR DISTRICT, PIN - 673101`** - **`14 THE ASSISTANT EDUCATIONAL OFFICER THRISSUR WEST, THRISSUR DISTRICT, PIN - 680001`** - **`15 THE ASSISTANT EDUCATIONAL OFFICER THRISSUR EAST, THRISSUR DISTRICT, PIN - 680005`** - **`16 THE ASSISTANT EDUCATIONAL OFFICER MULLASSERY, THRISSUR DISTRICT, PIN - 680509`** - **`17 THE ASSISTANT EDUCATIONAL OFFICER VALAPPAD, THRISSUR DISTRICT, PIN - 680567`** ## **`SRI.P. SANTHOSH KUMAR,SPL.GOVERNMENT PLEADER`** ``` THIS WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 07.04.2025, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING: ``` ``` 2025:KER:30432 ``` **==> picture [58 x 58] intentionally omitted <==** ``` WP(C) NO.14371 of 2025 4 ``` ## **JUDGMENT** Dated this the 7[th] day of April, 2025 The petitioner is the Corporate Manager of the Corporate Educational Agency, Arch Diocese of Thrissur. 2. The Rights of Persons with Disability Act, 2016 requires 4% reservation in appointments for differently abled hands. It is made applicable to the Aided Schools as well. The turn of appointments is also prescribed as 1, 26, 51, and 76 for differently abled hands. In compliance, the petitioner has set apart posts and vacancies for PwD candidates. 3. It is evident from Exts.P3 to P9 that the petitioner has complied with the requirements covered by Exts.P1 and P2. Employment Exchange concerned is busy with the processing of candidates for the posts contained in Exs.P3 to P9. Other appointments effected by the petitioner against **==> picture [58 x 58] intentionally omitted <==** ``` 2025:KER:30432 ``` ``` WP(C) NO.14371 of 2025 5 ``` regular posts under the Management are not processed by the Educational Officer concerned for want of appointment of qualified differently abled hands. 4. In similar circumstances, the NSS Management moved the Apex Court and got Ext.P10 order dated 04.03.2025. Consequently, the Government issued Ext.P11 order dated 17.03.2025. But it would appear that Ext.P11 is applicable only in respect of the Schools under the NSS Management. The benefits flowing from Exts.P10 and P11 ought to have been made applicable in respect of the appointments under the Managements that are similarly situated. 5. In the light of the judgments in **Central Finance and Investments and another v. Secretary, Kothamangalam Municipality and others** [2021 (6) KHC 59] and **Somukuttan Nair v. State of Kerala** [1997 KHC 114], the benefits flowing from Exts.P10 and P11 cannot be denied **==> picture [58 x 58] intentionally omitted <==** ``` 2025:KER:30432 ``` ``` WP(C) NO.14371 of 2025 6 ``` to the petitioner. In the circumstances, the petitioner filed Ext.P15 representation before the 1[st] respondent, which is pending consideration, contends the petitioner. 6. I have heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned Special Government Pleader representing the respondents. 7. I find that in similar circumstances, the NSS Management approached the Hon’ble Apex Court and the Apex Court has passed order dated 04.03.2025. The Government is taking a stand that the order will apply only to the parties to the SLP before the Hon’ble Apex Court. The petitioner would contend that as far as the claims of persons like the petitioner who did not approach the Court for redressal of their grievances are concerned there is absolutely no justification for the Government to deny consequential benefits to similarly situated persons. **==> picture [58 x 58] intentionally omitted <==** ``` 2025:KER:30432 ``` ``` WP(C) NO.14371 of 2025 7 ``` 8. Be that as it may, at this stage, I do not deem it necessary to adjudicate the issue, as the petitioner has submitted Ext.P15 representation before the Government. It would be sufficient if the Government considers Ext.P15 representation in the light of the directions contained in Exts.P10 and P11. The writ petition is therefore disposed of directing the 1[st] respondent to consider and pass orders on Ext.P15 representation submitted by the petitioner within a period of four months, in the light of Exts.P10 and P11. ## **N.NAGARESH** **JUDGE** hmh ``` 2025:KER:30432 ``` **==> picture [58 x 58] intentionally omitted <==** ``` WP(C) NO.14371 of 2025 ``` ``` 8 ``` ## **`APPENDIX OF WP(C) 14371/2025`** ## **`PETITIONER’S EXHIBITS`** ``` Exhibit P-1TRUECOPYOFTHE G.O.(P).NO.12/2019/SJDDATED 31.10.2019 Exhibit P-2TRUECOPYOFTHEG.O. (MS.).NO.111/2022/GEDNDATED 25.06.2022 ``` - **`Exhibit P-3 TRUE COPY OF THE REQUISITION WITH REGARD TO THE POST OF HST (HINDI)`** - **`Exhibit P-4 TRUE COPY OF THE REQUISITION WITH REGARD TO THE POST OF DRAWING TEACHER DATED 16.08.2024`** - **`Exhibit P-4(a) TRUE COPY OF THE REQUISITION WITH REGARD TO THE POST OF NEEDLE WORK TEACHER DATED 16.08.2024`** - **`Exhibit P-5 TRUE COPY OF THE REQUISITION WITH REGARD TO THE POST OF HST (PHYSICAL SCIENCE) DATED 16.08.2024`** - **`Exhibit P-6 TRUE COPY OF THE REQUISITION WITH REGARD TO THE POST OF HSST (ENGLISH) DATED 15.04.2023`** - **`Exhibit P-7 TRUE COPY OF THE REQUISITION WITH REGARD TO THE POST OF HSST (POLITICAL SCIENCE) DATED 15.04.2023`** - **`Exhibit P-8 TRUE COPY OF THE REQUISITION WITH REGARD TO THE POST OF HSST JR. (MATHEMATICS) DATED 15.04.2023`** ``` 2025:KER:30432 ``` **==> picture [58 x 58] intentionally omitted <==** ``` WP(C) NO.14371 of 2025 ``` ``` 9 ``` ``` Exhibit P-9 ``` ``` TRUE COPY OF THE REQUISITION WITH REGARD TO THE POST OF HSST JR. CHEMISTRY DATED 15.04.2023 ``` - **`Exhibit P-9(a)`** - **`TRUE COPY OF THE REQUISITION WITH REGARD TO THE POST OF FULL TIME MENIAL`** - **`Exhibit P-9(b) TRUE COPY OF THE REQUISITION WITH REGARD TO THE POST OF JUNIOR ARABIC (FULL TIME)`** - **`Exhibit P-9(c) TRUE COPY OF THE REQUISITION WITH REGARD TO THE POST OF JUNIOR SANSKRIT (PT)`** - **`Exhibit P-9(d) TRUE COPY OF THE REQUISITION WITH REGARD TO THE POST OF LPST`** - **`Exhibit P-9(e) TRUE COPY OF THE REQUISITION WITH REGARD TO THE POST OF UPST`** - **`Exhibit P-9(f) TRUE COPY OF THE NON-AVAILIBILITY CERTIFICATE (AUTISM, INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY, SPECIFIC LEARNING DISABILITY, MENTAL ILLNESS & MULTIPLE DISABILITIES) VIDE NO.SEEDA-EKM /241/2024-CI DATED 24.02.2025`** - **`Exhibit P-9(g) TRUE COPY OF THE NON-AVAILIBILITY CERTIFICATE (BLINDNESS & LOW VISION) VIDE NO.SEEDA-EKM/241/2024-CI DATED 24.02.2025`** - **`Exhibit P-9(h) TRUE COPY OF THE NON-AVAILIBILITY CERTIFICATE (DEAF & HARD OF HEARING) VIDE NO.SEEDA-EKM/241/2024-CI DATED 24.02.2025`** - **`Exhibit P-9(i)`** - **`TRUE COPY OF THE NON-AVAILIBILITY CERTIFICATE (BLINDNESS & LOW VISION)`** ``` 2025:KER:30432 ``` **==> picture [58 x 58] intentionally omitted <==** ``` WP(C) NO.14371 of 2025 ``` ``` 10 ``` ``` VIDE NO.SEEDA-EKM/241/2024-CI DATED 24.02.2025 ``` ``` Exhibit P-9(j) ``` ``` TRUE COPY OF THE NON-AVAILIBILITY CERTIFICATE (DEAF & HARD OF HEARING) VIDE NO.SEEDA-EKM/241/2024-CI DATED 24.02.2025 ``` ``` Exhibit P-10TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER IN CIVIL APPEAL NO.SLP NO.11373/2024 DATED 04.03.2025 ``` - **`Exhibit P-11`** - **`TRUE COPY OF THE G.O.(MS.) NO.43/2025/GEDN DATED 17.03.2025`** ``` Exhibit P-12 ``` - **`TRUE COPY OF THE DECISION REPORTED IN 2021 (6) KHC 59 (CENTRAL FINANCE & INVESTMENTS ANDANOTHER V. SECRETARY, KOTHAMANGNALAM MUNICIPALITY AND OTHERS)DATED 01.10.2021`** - **`Exhibit P-13 TRUE COPY OF THE DECISION REPORTED IN 1997 KHC 114(SOMUKUTTAN NAIR V. STATE OF KERALA)DATED 18.02.1997`** - **`Exhibit P-14`** - **`TRUE COPY OF THE G.O. (MS.)NO.101/2023/GEDN DATED 18.07.2023`** - **`Exhibit P-15`** ``` TRUE COPY OF THE REPRESENTATION SUBMITTED BY THE PETITIONER BEFORE THE GOVERNMENT DATED 22.03.2025 ```