W.A. Nos 205, 206, 210, 218, 219 & 226 of 2021 (S. Hariharan Pillai & Others v State of Kerala & Others)

``` IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM ``` ``` PRESENT ``` ``` THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE A.MUHAMED MUSTAQUE ``` ``` & ``` ``` THE HONOURABLE MRS. JUSTICE SHOBA ANNAMMA EAPEN ``` ``` WEDNESDAY, THE 14[TH] DAY OF FEBRUARY 2024 / 25TH MAGHA, 1945 ``` **==> picture [131 x 9] intentionally omitted <==** ``` AGAINST THE JUDGMENT DATED 08.01.2021 IN WP(C) 23044/2020 ``` ``` ------------- ``` ``` APPELLANT: ``` ``` S.HARIHARAN PILLAI, AGED 50 YEARS, NON-VOCATIONAL SENIOR TEACHER IN COMMERCE, VOCATIONAL HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL, KARAVARAM, KALLAMBALAM.P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-695603. BY ADVS. ``` ``` THOMAS ABRAHAM SMT.MERCIAMMA MATHEW SRI.ASWIN.P.JOHN SRI.R.ANANTHAPADMANABAN SHRI.THAYYIB SHA P.S. ``` ## **`W.A.Nos 205, 206, 210, 218, 219 & 226 OF 2021`** ## -:2:- ## **`W.A.NO.205 OF 2021`** ## **`RESPONDENTS:`** - **`1 SINDHU B., W/O.SRI.UDAYAKUMAR, NON VOCATIONAL TEACHER(ENGLISH), VOCATIONAL HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL(VHSS), KARAVARAM,KALLAMBALAM P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-695605 AND RESIDING AT ASWATHY, KARAMCODE.P.O., CHATHANOOR, KOLLAM-691579.`** - **`2 STATE OF KERALA, REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT, GENERAL EDUCATION(SC)DEPARTMENT, GOVERNMENT OF KERALA, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-695001.`** - **`3 THE DIRECTOR OF GENERAL EDUCATION, GOVERNMENT OF KERALA, HOUSING BOARD COMPLEX, 5TH FLOOR, FIRE FORCE JUNCTION, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - 695001.`** - **`4 THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, REGIONAL OFFICE OF VOCATIONAL HIGHER SECONDARY EDUCATION, KATTAKADA, KOLLAM-691008.`** - **`5 VOCATIONAL HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL, KARAVARAM, KALLAMBALAM P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM695605, REPRESENTED BY ITS MANAGER.`** - **`6 SMT.PRIYADARSHINI S., VOCATIONAL TEACHER IN CIVIL, CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE (IN SHORT CCM), VOCATIONAL HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL, KARAVARAM, KALLAMBALAM P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-695605.`** - **`7 SMT.GIRIJA A.S., NON-VOCATIONAL TEACHER IN PHYSICS, VOCATIONAL HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL, KARAVARAM, KALLAMBALAM P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-695605.`** ## **`W.A.Nos 205, 206, 210, 218, 219 & 226 OF 2021`** -:3:- ## **`W.A.NO.205 OF 2021`** ``` 8MANESH VARGHESE, VOCATIONAL TEACHER IN T AND T,NON- VOCATIONAL TEACHER IN PHYSICS, VOCATIONAL HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL, KARAVARAM, KALLAMBALAM P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-695605. BY ADVS. SRI.N.UNNIKRISHNAN K.B.ARUNKUMAR(B/O) SRI.S.P.ARAVINDAKSHAN PILLAY SMT.N.SANTHA SRI.V.VARGHESE SRI.PETER JOSE CHRISTO SRI.S.A.ANAND SMT.K.N.REMYA SMT.L.ANNAPOORNA SHRI.VISHNU V.K. KUM.ABHIRAMI K. UDAY SHRI.KURUVILLA SABU CHRISTY ``` ## **`SRI.A.J.VARGHESE, SENIOR GOVERNMENT PLEADER`** ``` THIS WRIT APPEAL HAVING BEEN FINALLY HEARD ON 01.02.2024, ALONG WITH WA.218/2021, 206/2021 AND CONNECTED CASES, THE COURT ON 14.02.2024 DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING: ``` ``` W.A.Nos 205, 206, 210, 218, 219 & 226 OF 2021 ``` -:4:- ``` IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM ``` ``` PRESENT ``` ``` THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE A.MUHAMED MUSTAQUE ``` ``` & ``` ``` THE HONOURABLE MRS. JUSTICE SHOBA ANNAMMA EAPEN ``` ``` WEDNESDAY, THE 14[TH] DAY OF FEBRUARY 2024 / 25TH MAGHA, 1945 ``` ``` WA NO.218OF 2021 ``` ``` AGAINST THE JUDGMENT DATED 08.01.2021 IN WP(C) 22198/2020 ---- ``` ``` ------ ``` ``` APPELLANTS: ``` ``` S.HARIHARAN PILLAI, AGED 50 YEARS, S/O.LATE SANKARA PILLAI, NON-VOCATIONAL SENIOR TEACHER IN COMMERCE, VOCATIONAL HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL, KARAVARAM RESIDING AT VILAYIL VEEDU, NAVAIKULAM P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - 695 603. BY ADVS. ``` ``` THOMAS ABRAHAM SMT.MERCIAMMA MATHEW SRI.ASWIN.P.JOHN SRI.R.ANANTHAPADMANABAN SHRI.THAYYIB SHA P.S. ``` ## **`W.A.Nos 205, 206, 210, 218, 219 & 226 OF 2021`** -:5:- ## **`WA NO.218 OF 2021`** ## **`RESPONDENTS:`** - **`1 STATE OF KERALA, REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT, GENERAL EDUCATION (SC) DEPARTMENT, GOVERNMENT OF KERALA, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - 695 001.`** - **`2 THE DIRECTOR GENERAL OF EDUCATION, GOVERNMENT OF KERALA, HOUSING BOARD COMPLEX, 5TH FLOOR, FIRE FORCE JUNCTION, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - 695 001.`** - **`3 THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, REGIONAL OFFICE OF VOCATIONAL HIGHER SECONDARY EDUCATION, KATTAKADA, KOLLAM - 691 008.`** - **`4 SENIOR ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER, DIRECTORATE OF GENERAL EDUCATION (VHSE WING), THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - 695 014.`** - **`5 VOCATIONAL HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL, KARAVARAM, KALLAMBALAM P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - 695 605, REPRESENTED BY ITS MANAGER.`** - **`6 SINDHU B., W/O.SRI.UDAYAKUMAR, AGED 49 YEARS, NON VOCATIONAL TEACHER (ENGLISH), VOCATIONAL HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL, KARAVARAM, KALLAMBALAM P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-695 605. BY ADV.SRI.N.UNNIKRISHNAN BY ADV.K.B.ARUNKUMAR`** ``` BY SMT.VINITHA B., SENIOR GOVERNMENT PLEADER ``` ``` THIS WRIT APPEAL HAVING BEEN FINALLY HEARD ON 01.02.2024, ALONG WITH WA.205/2021 AND CONNECTED CASES, THE COURT ON 14.02.2024 DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING: ``` ## **`W.A.Nos 205, 206, 210, 218, 219 & 226 OF 2021`** -:6:- ``` IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM ``` ``` PRESENT ``` ``` THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE A.MUHAMED MUSTAQUE ``` ``` & ``` ``` THE HONOURABLE MRS. JUSTICE SHOBA ANNAMMA EAPEN ``` ``` WEDNESDAY, THE 14[TH] DAY OF FEBRUARY 2024 / 25TH MAGHA, 1945 ``` ``` WA NO. 206OF 2021 ``` ``` AGAINST THE JUDGMENT DATED 08.01.2021 IN WP(C) 27668/2020 ---- ``` ``` -- ``` ``` APPELLANT: ``` ``` S.HARIHARAN PILLAI, AGED 50 YEARS, S/O.LATE SANKARA PILLAI, NON-VOCATIONAL SENIOR TEACHER IN COMMERCE, VOCATIONAL HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL, KARAVARAM RESIDING AT VILAYIL VEEDU, NAVAIKULAM P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - 695 603. BY ADV.THOMAS ABRAHAM ``` ``` RESPONDENTS: ``` ``` 1MANAGER, VOCATIONAL HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL KARAVARAM, KALLAMBALAM P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - 695 605. ``` ## **`W.A.Nos 205, 206, 210, 218, 219 & 226 OF 2021`** ## -:7:- ## **`WA NO. 206 OF 2021`** - **`2 STATE OF KERALA, REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT, GENERAL EDUCATION (SC) DEPARTMENT, GOVERNMENT OF KERALA, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - 695 001.`** - **`3 THE DIRECTOR OF GENERAL EDUCATION, GOVERNMENT OF KERALA, HOUSING BOARD COMPLEX, 5TH FLOOR, FIRE FORCE JUNCTION, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - 695 001.`** - **`4 THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, REGIONAL OFFICE OF VOCATIONAL HIGHER SECONDARY EDUCATION, KATTAKADA, KOLLAM - 691 008.`** - **`5 SENIOR ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER DIRECTORATE OF GENERAL EDUCATION (VHSE WING), THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - 695 014.`** - **`6 SINDHU B., W/O.SRI.UDAYAKUMAR, AGED 49 YEARS, NON VOCATIONAL TEACHER (ENGLISH), VOCATIONAL HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL, KARAVARAM, KALLAMBALAM P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - 695 605. BY ADVS.`** - **`SRI.N.UNNIKRISHNAN`** ## **`SRI.K.B.ARUNKUMAR`** ## **`BY SMT.VINITHA B., SENIOR GOVERNMENT PLEADER`** ``` THIS WRIT APPEAL HAVING BEEN FINALLY HEARD ON 01.02.2024, ALONG WITH W.A.NO.205/2021 AND CONNECTED CASES, THE COURT ON 14.02.2024 DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING: ``` ``` W.A.Nos 205, 206, 210, 218, 219 & 226 OF 2021 ``` -:8:- ``` IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM ``` ``` PRESENT ``` ``` THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE A.MUHAMED MUSTAQUE ``` ``` & ``` ``` THE HONOURABLE MRS. JUSTICE SHOBA ANNAMMA EAPEN ``` ``` WEDNESDAY, THE 14[TH] DAY OF FEBRUARY 2024 / 25TH MAGHA, 1945 ``` ``` WA NO. 210OF 2021 ``` ``` AGAINST THE JUDGMENT DATED 08.01.2021 IN WP(C) 22171/2020 ---- ``` ``` --- ``` ``` APPELLANT: ``` ``` S.HARIHARAN PILLAI, AGED 50 YEARS, NON-VOCATIONAL SENIOR TEACHER IN COMMERCE, VOCATIONAL HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL, KARAVARAM KALLAMBALAM P.O, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, PIN-695605. BY ADVS. ``` ``` THOMAS ABRAHAM SMT.MERCIAMMA MATHEW SRI.ASWIN.P.JOHN SRI.R.ANANTHAPADMANABAN SHRI.THAYYIB SHA P.S. ``` ## **`W.A.Nos 205, 206, 210, 218, 219 & 226 OF 2021`** ## -:9:- ## **`WA NO. 210 OF 2021`** ## **`RESPONDENTS:`** - **`1 PRIYADARSHINI S., AGED 49 YEARS, VOCATIONAL TEACHER IN CIVIL CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE, KARAVARAM VOCATIONAL HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL, KALLAMBALAM P.O, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-695605.`** - **`2 STATE OF KERALA, REP. BY THE SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT, GENERAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, SECRETARIAT, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, PIN-695001.`** - **`3 DIRECTOR OF GENERAL EDUCATION, JAGATHY, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-695 014.`** - **`4 SENIOR ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER, DIRECTORATE OF GENERAL EDUCAIOTN (VHSE WING), THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, PIN-695014.`** - **`5 ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, REGIONAL OFFICE OF VOCATIONAL HIGHER SECONDARY EDUCATION, KADAPPAKKADA, KOLLAM, PIN-691008.`** - **`6 MANAGER, KARAVARAM VOCATIONAL HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL, KALLAMBALAM P.O, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, PIN695605.`** - **`7 SINDHU B., NON-V0CATIONAL TEACHER IN ENGLISH, KARAVARAM VOCATIONAL HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL, KALLAMBALAM P.O, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, PIN-695605. BY ADVS.`** ``` SRI.S.P.ARAVINDAKSHAN PILLAY SRI.N.UNNIKRISHNAN SMT.N.SANTHA SRI.V.VARGHESE SRI.PETER JOSE CHRISTO SRI.S.A.ANAND SMT.K.N.REMYA SMT.L.ANNAPOORNA SHRI.VISHNU V.K. ``` ## **`W.A.Nos 205, 206, 210, 218, 219 & 226 OF 2021`** -:10:- ``` WA NO. 210 OF 2021 ``` ``` KUM.ABHIRAMI K. UDAY SHRI.KURUVILLA SABU CHRISTY ``` ``` BY SMT.VINITHA B., SENIOR GOVERNMENT PLEADER ``` ``` THIS WRIT APPEAL HAVING BEEN FINALLY HEARD ON 01.02.2024, ALONG WITH WA.205/2021 AND CONNECTED CASES, THE COURT ON 14.02.2024 DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING: ``` ## **`W.A.Nos 205, 206, 210, 218, 219 & 226 OF 2021`** -:11:- ``` IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM ``` ``` PRESENT ``` ``` THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE A.MUHAMED MUSTAQUE ``` ``` & ``` ``` THE HONOURABLE MRS. JUSTICE SHOBA ANNAMMA EAPEN ``` ``` WEDNESDAY, THE 14[TH] DAY OF FEBRUARY 2024 / 25TH MAGHA, 1945 ``` ``` WA NO.219OF 2021 ``` ``` AGAINST THE JUDGMENT DATED 08.01.2021 IN WP(C) 23044/2020 ---- ``` ``` ----- ``` ``` APPELLANT: ``` ``` PRIYADARSINI S., AGED 49 YEARS, VOCATIONAL TEACHER IN CIVIL CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE, (IN SHORT CCM), VOCATIONAL HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL, KARAVARAM, KALLAMBALAM P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, PIN-695 605. BY ADVS. S.P.ARAVINDAKSHAN PILLAY SMT.N.SANTHA SRI.V.VARGHESE SRI.PETER JOSE CHRISTO SRI.S.A.ANAND SMT.K.N.REMYA SMT.L.ANNAPOORNA SHRI.VISHNU V.K. KUM.ABHIRAMI K. UDAY ``` ## **`W.A.Nos 205, 206, 210, 218, 219 & 226 OF 2021`** ## -:12:- ## **`WA NO.219 OF 2021`** ## **`RESPONDENTS:`** - **`1 SINDHU B., AGED 50 YEARS, W/O.SHRI. UDAYAKUMAR T., NON-VOCATIONAL TEACHER (ENGLISH), VOCATIONAL HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL (VHSS), KARAVARAM, KALLAMBALAM P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, PIN695 605, AND RESIDING AT ASWATHY, KARAMKODE P.O.CHATHANNOOR, KOLLAM-691 579.`** - **`2 STATE OF KERALA, REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT, GENERAL EDUCATION (SC) DEPARTMENT, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, PIN-695 001.`** - **`3 DIRECTOR OF GENERAL EDUCATION, GOVERNMENT OF KERALA, HOUSING BOARD COMPLEX, 5TH FLOOR, FIRE FORCE JUNCTION, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, PIN695 001.`** - **`4 ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, REGIONAL OFFICE OF VOCATIONAL HIGHER SECONDARY EDUCATION, KADAPPAKKADA, KOLLAM, PIN-691 008.`** - **`5 VOCATIONAL HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL, KARAVARAM, KALLAMBALAM P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, PIN695 605, REPRESENTED BY ITS MANAGER`** - **`6 SMT. GIRIJA A.S., NON-VOCATIONAL TEACHER IN PHYSICS, VOCATIONAL HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL, KARAVARAM, KALLAMBALAM P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-695 605.`** - **`7 S.HARIHARAN PILLAI, NON-VOCATIONAL TEACHER IN PHYSICS, VOCATIONAL HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL, KARAVARAM, KALLAMBALAM P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-695 605.`** - **`8 SRI. MANESH VARGHESE, VOCATIONAL TEACHER IN T AND T, NON-VOCATIONAL TEACHER IN PHYSICS, VOCATIONAL HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL, KARAVARAM, KALLAMBALAM P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-695 605.`** ## **`BY ADV.SRI.N.UNNIKRISHNAN`** ## **`W.A.Nos 205, 206, 210, 218, 219 & 226 OF 2021`** -:13:- ## **`WA NO.219 OF 2021`** ``` BY ADV.THOMAS ABRAHAM ``` ``` BY ADV.K.B.ARUNKUMAR ``` ``` BY SRI.A.J.VARGHESE, SENIOR GOVERNMENT PLEADER ``` ``` THIS WRIT APPEAL HAVING BEEN FINALLY HEARD ON 01.02.2024, ALONG WITH WA.205/2021 AND CONNECTED CASES, THE COURT ON 14.02.2024 DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING: ``` ``` W.A.Nos 205, 206, 210, 218, 219 & 226 OF 2021 ``` -:14:- ``` IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM ``` ``` PRESENT ``` ``` THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE A.MUHAMED MUSTAQUE ``` ``` & ``` ``` THE HONOURABLE MRS. JUSTICE SHOBA ANNAMMA EAPEN ``` ``` WEDNESDAY, THE 14[TH] DAY OF FEBRUARY 2024 / 25TH MAGHA, 1945 ``` ``` WA NO. 226OF 2021 ``` ``` AGAINST THE JUDGMENT DATED 08.01.2021 IN WP(C) 22171/2020 ---- ``` ``` -------- ``` ``` APPELLANT: ``` ``` PRIYADARSINI.S., AGED 49 YEARS, VOCATIONAL TEACHER IN CIVIL CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE, KARAVARAM VOCATIONAL HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL, KALLAMBALAM P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, PIN- 695605. BY ADVS. S.P.ARAVINDAKSHAN PILLAY SMT.N.SANTHA SRI.V.VARGHESE SRI.PETER JOSE CHRISTO SMT.K.N.REMYA SMT.L.ANNAPOORNA SHRI.VISHNU V.K. KUM.ABHIRAMI K. UDAY ``` ## **`W.A.Nos 205, 206, 210, 218, 219 & 226 OF 2021`** ## -:15:- ## **`WA NO. 226 OF 2021`** ## **`RESPONDENTS:`** - **`1 STATE OF KERALA, REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT, GENERAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, SECRETARIAT, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, PIN-695001.`** - **`2 DIRECTOR OF GENERAL EDUCATION, JAGATHY, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, PIN-695014.`** - **`3 SENIOR ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER, DIRECTORATE OF GENERAL EDUCATION (VHSE WING), THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, PIN-695014.`** - **`4 ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, REGIONAL OFFICE OF VOCATIONAL HIGHER SECONDARY EDUCATION, KADAPPAKKADA, KOLLAM, PIN-691008.`** - **`5 MANAGER, KARAVARAM VOCATIONAL HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL, KALLAMBALAM P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, PIN695605.`** - **`6 SINDHU B., NON-VOCATIONAL TEACHER IN ENGLISH, KARAVARAM VOCATIONAL HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL, KALLAMBALAM P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, PIN-695605.`** - **`7 S.HARIHARAN PILLAI, NON-VOCATIONAL TEACHER IN COMMERCE, KARAVARAM VOCATIONAL HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL, KALLAMBALAM P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, PIN695605.`** - **`BY ADV SRI.N.UNNIKRISHNAN BY ADV.THOMAS ABRAHAM BY ADV.K.B.ARUNKUMAR`** ``` BY SMT.VINITHA B., SENIOR GOVERNMENT PLEADER ``` ``` THIS WRIT APPEAL HAVING BEEN FINALLY HEARD ON 01.02.2024, ALONG WITH WA.205/2021 AND CONNECTED CASES, THE COURT ON 14.02.2024 DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING: ``` ``` W.A.Nos 205, 206, 210, 218, 219 & 226 OF 2021 ``` -:16:- ``` A.MUHAMED MUSTAQUE & SHOBA ANNAMMA EAPEN, JJ. ``` ``` ----------------------------------------- ``` ``` W.A.Nos 205, 206, 210, 218, 219 & 226 OF 2021 “C.R.” ``` ``` ----------------------------------------- ``` ``` Dated this the 14[th] day of February, 2024 ``` ## **J U D G M E N T** ``` A.Muhamed Mustaque, J. ``` ``` These matters are related to appointment of Administrative Head/Principal of Vocational Higher Secondary School, Karavaram in Trivandrum District. The post of Principal became vacant on 1/6/2020. There are no statutory rules prescribing eligibility criteria for appointment as Principal of Vocational Higher Secondary School. As early as on 19/1/2012, Government issued an order, prescribing qualification as follows: ``` ## **`W.A.Nos 205, 206, 210, 218, 219 & 226 OF 2021`** ## -:17:- **==> picture [79 x 13] intentionally omitted <==** **==> picture [45 x 13] intentionally omitted <==** പ ാതു വിദ്യാഭ്യാസ വേു്ᩔ് `-` പവാക്ᨪഷണൽ ഹയർ പസ്ᨪ്ᩂറി വിദ്യാഭ്യാസം ജീവന്ᨪാരയം `-` പവാക്ᨪഷണൽ ഹയർ പസ്ᨪ്ᩂറി സ്കൂളുേളിപെ ഏ്റവും സീനി യർ ആയ പവാക്ᨪഷണൽ `/` കനാൺ പവാക്ᨪഷണൽ അᩍ᪚യാ േന് പവാക്ᨪഷണൽ ഹയർ പസ്ᨪ്ᩂറി സ്കൂൾ വിഭ്ാര്ᩈിന്പറ ഭ്രണ ചുമതെ അനുവദ്ി്ച് ഉ്ᩈരവാേു്നു `.` ``` ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ``` **==> picture [173 x 13] intentionally omitted <==** സ `.` ഉ `.(` കേ `)` നം `.18/2012/` പ ാ `.` വി `.` വ തിരുവ്ᩌ ുരം `,` തീയതി `19.01.2012` ``` ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ``` രാമർശം `:-1.` സർ്ᨪാർ ഉ്ᩈരവ് `(` കേ `)` നം `.131/91/` പ ാ `.` വി `.` വ തീയതി `20.08.1991.` `2.` പവാക്ᨪഷണൽ ഹയർപസ്ᨪ്ᩂറി വിദ്യാഭ്യാസ ഡയറക്ടറുപെ `03.06.2011-` പെ സി `.2/16822/07` ന്ᩘർ േ്ᩈ് `.` `3.` സർ്ᨪാർ ഉ്ᩈരവ് `(` അ്ചെി `)` നം `.85/2011/` ധന തീയതി `26.02.2011.` ഉ്ᩈരവ് രാമർശം `(1)` പെ സർ്ᨪാർ ഉ്ᩈരവ് ഗ് ോരം പവാക്ᨪഷണൽ ഹയർ പസ്ᨪ്ᩂറി കോഴ്സുേൾ ഉൾപ്ᨪാ്ᩦു്ന സ്കൂളുേളുപെ തെവ്മാപര ഗ് ിൻസി്ᩔൽമാരായി ുനർ നാമേരണം പചയ പവാക്ᨪഷണൽ ഹയർ പസ്ᨪ്ᩂറി വിഭ്ാര്ᩈിപെ കജാെിേൾ കേോരയം പച്യു്നതിന് ഒരു സ്പ ഷയൽ ക യും അനുവദ്ി്ച് നൽേി ഉ്ᩈരവായിരു്നു `.` `(2)` എ്നാൽ ഇഗ് ോരം പവാക്ᨪഷണൽ ഹയർപസ്ᨪ്ᩂറി കോഴ്സുേൾ നെ്ᩈു്ന സ്കൂളുേളിപെ അ്ᨪാദ്മിേ് തെവന് അധിേ ചുമതെ നൽേു്ന തുമൂെം പവാക്ᨪഷണൽ ഹയർ പസ്ᨪ്ᩂറി വിഭ്ാര്ᩈിന് ഉ്ᩂാേു്ന ോരയം നിർ്വ ഹണ്ᩈിപെ ഗ് ാകയാരിേ ബുᩍ᪚ിമു്ᨾുേൾ രാമർശം `(2)` പെ േ്ᩈ് മുകേന പവാക്ᨪഷണൽ ഹയർ പസ്ᨪ്ᩂറി വിദ്യാഭ്യാസ ഡയറക്ടർ സർ്ᨪാരിന്പറ ഗ്ശᩍ᪚ യിൽപ്ᩔെു്ᩈുേയു്ᩂായി `.` `(3)` പവാക്ᨪഷണൽ ഹയർപസ്ᨪ്ᩂറി കോഴ്സുേൾ നെ്ᩈു്ന കഹസ്കൂളുേളിൽ െിവിഭ്ാര്ᩈിന്പറ ചുമതെ ഇക്ᩔാൾ ഗ് സ്തുത സ്കൂളുേളിപെ പഹഡ്മാ്ഹർമാരാണ് വഹി്ᨪു്നത് `.` പഹഡ്മാ്ഹർമാരുപെ കമെു്ᩦ നിയഗ ണം പ ാതുവിദ്യാഭ്യാസ ഡയറക്ടറിൊണ് നി്ᩌിപ്തമാ്ᨪപ്ᩔ്ᨾി്ᨾു്ᩦത്. പവാക്ᨪഷണൽ ഹയർപസ്ᨪന്ററി വിദ്യാഭ്യാസ ഡയറക്ടർ്ᨪ് ഇവരുപെ കമൽ ഇക്ᩔാൾ നിയമ രമായ യാപതാരു നിയഗ ണവുമി്ᩤ... മാഗ്തമ്ᩤ േൃതയനിർ്വഹണ്ᩈിന്പറ വയാപ്തി മൂെം പവാക്ᨪഷണൽ ഹയർ ## **`W.A.Nos 205, 206, 210, 218, 219 & 226 OF 2021`** ## -:18:- പസ്ᨪന്ററി വിഭ്ാര്ᩈിന്പറ ഭ്രണ്ᩈിൽ ഇവർ്ᨪ് ൂർ്ᩆമായും ഗ്ശᩍ᪚ി്ᨪാൻ േഴിയാ്ᩈ അവ്ഽയുമാണ്. ഹയർ പസ്ᨪന്ററി സ്കൂളുേളിപെ ക ാപെ ഇവിപെയും ഗ് ിൻസി്ᩔൽ തസ്തിേ സൃ് ്ᨪണപമ്നും വേു്ᩔിപെ ജീവന്ᨪാപര തപ്ന ഗ് ിൻസി്ᩔൊയി നിയമി്ᨪണപമ്നും വിവിധ കേഗ്ര്ങളിൽ നിര്ᩌരമായ ആവശയം സർ്ᨪാർ മുൻ ാപേ ഉ്നയി്ᨪപ്ᩔെു്നു്ᩂ്. പവാക്ᨪഷണൽ ഹയർപസ്ᨪന്ററി വിദ്യാഭ്യാസ ഡയറക്ടറും ഇ്ᨪാരയം ആവശയപ്ᩔ്ᨾി്ᨾു്ᩂ്. ഹയർപസ്ᨪന്ററി സ്കൂളുേളിൽ ഗ് ിൻസി്ᩔൽ തസ് ഗ് കതയേം ഹയർപസ്ᨪന്ററി സൃ് ്ചി്ᨾുപ്ᩂ്ഝിെും അധയാ ന്ᩈിൽ നി്ന്. "അവപര ഒഴിവാ്ᨪിയി്ᨾി്ᩤ. പവാക്ᨪഷണൽ ഹയർപസ്ᨪന്ററി വിഭ്ാര്ᩈികെ്ᨪ് ഗ് ിൻസി്ᩔൽ തസ്തിേ സൃ് ്ᨪു്നതിന് സ്പ ഷയൽ റൂൾ കഭ്ദ്രതി അനിവാരയമായതിനാൽ ഇത് ോെതാമസം വരു്ᩈു്ന ഗ് ഗ്േിയയാണ്. (4) കമൽവിവരി്ച ോരയ്ങൾ്ᨪ് ഒരു രിഹാരപമ്ന നിെയ ് പവാക്ᨪഷണൽ ഹയർപസ്ᨪന്ററി സ്കൂളുേളിപെ സർ്ᨪാർ. കമേെയിപെയും എയ് ് കമേെയിപെയും ഏ്റവും സീനിയറായ പവാക്ᨪഷണൽ അപ്ᩤ്ഝിൽ കനാൺ പവാക്ᨪഷണൽ " " അᩍ᪚യാ േന് പവാക്ᨪഷണൽ ഹയർപസ്ᨪന്ററി സ്കൂൾ വിഭ്ാര്ᩈിന്പറ ഭ്രണ ചുമതെ താപഴ്ᩔറയു്ന വയവ്ഽേൾ്ᨪ് അനുസൃതമായി താത്ോെിേമായി നൽേിപ്ᨪാ്ᩂ് സർ്ᨪാർ ഉ്ᩈരവാേു്നു. എ) പവാക്ᨪഷണൽ / കനാൺ പവാക്ᨪഷണൽ അധയാ േരുപെ സീനികയാറി്റി നി്ായി്ᨪു്നത് അവർ െി സ്കൂളിൽ കജാെിയിൽ ഗ് കവശി്ച തി്യതി േണ്ᨪിപെെു്ᩈായിരി്ᨪും. ഒകര ദ്ിവസം കജാെിയിൽ ഗ് കവശി്ചവരുപ്ᩂ്ഝിൽ ഗ് ായ്ᩈിന് മുൻരണന നൽകേ്ᩂതാണ്. ബി) പഹഡ്മാ്ഹർമാർ കഹസ്കൂൾ വിഭ്ാര്ᩈിന്പറ പഹഡ്മാ്ഹർമാരായി തുെരു്നതാണ്. സി) ഇ്ങപന പവാക്ᨪഷണൽ ഹയർ പസ്ᨪന്ററി വിഭ്ാര്ᩈിന്പറ ചുമതെ നൽേപ്ᩔെു്നവർ്ᨪ് നിെവിൽ പഹഡ്മാ്ഹർ്ᨪ് െഭ്ി്ചു വ്ന 1000 രൂ സ്പ ഷയൽ അെവൻസിന് അർഹത ഉ്ᩂായിരി്ᨪു്നതാണ്. ഡി) ഇ്ങപന ചുമതെ െഭ്ി്ᨪപ്ᩔെു്നവർ അധയാ ന കജാെിയും നിർവഹിക്ᨪ്ᩂതാണ്. ഇ) പവാക്ᨪഷണൽ ഹയർ പസ്ᨪന്ററി വിഭ്ാര്ᩈിപെ അ്ᨪാദ്മിേ് തെവന് ഇക്ᩔാൾ ഗ് തിമാസം െഭ്ി്ചുപോ്ᩂിരി്ᨪു്ന 500 രൂ സ്പ ഷയൽ അെവൻസിന് അർഹതയു്ᩂായിരി്ᨪുേയി്ᩤ. (രവർ്ᩆറുപെ ഉ്ᩈരവിൻ ഗ് ോരം) എം.ശിവശ്ഝർ രവൺപമന്റ് പസഗ്േ്ᨾറി 1) ഡയറക്ടർ, പവാക്ᨪഷണൽ ഹയർപസ്ᨪന്ററി വിദ്യാഭ്യാസം, തിരുവന്ᩌ ുരം 2) ഡയറക്ടർ, ഹയർപസ്ᨪന്ററി വിദ്യാഭ്യാസം, തിരുവന്ᩌ ുരം. ## **`W.A.Nos 205, 206, 210, 218, 219 & 226 OF 2021`** ## -:19:- 3) പ ാതുവിദ്യാഭ്യാസ ഡയറക്ടർ, തിരുവന്ᩌ ുരം, 4) ഗ് ിൻസി്ᩔൽ അ്ᨪൗ്ᩂന്റ് ജനറൽ, ആഡി്റ്, തിരുവന്ᩌ ുരം. 5) അ്ᨪൗ്ᩂന്റ് ജനറൽ, ഏ, & ഇ , തിരുവന്ᩌ ുരം. 6) ഡയറക്ടർ, ഐ & ി.ആർ.ഡി 7) ധനോരയ വേു്ᩔ് . 8) പ ാതുവിദ്യാഭ്യാസ വേു്ᩔിപെ എ്ᩤാ പസ്ᩌനുേൾ്ᨪും. ഉ്ᩈരവിൻ ഗ് ോരം പസ്ᩌൻ ഓഫീസർ േർ്ᩔ്:- 1) വിദ്യാഭ്യാസ വേു്ᩔ് മഗ ിയുപെ ി.എസ്-ന് 2) പ ാതുവിദ്യാഭ്യാസ വേു്ᩔ് പസഗ്േ്ᨾറിയുപെ ി.എ.്ᨪ് ## `English translation of the above government order reads thus:` ## _**`GOVERNMENT OF KERALA`**_ ## _`Abstract`_ ``` Department of General Education – Vocational Higher Secondary Education – Personnel Affairs – Assignment of administrative duty of the vocational higher secondary school section to the senior-most vocational/non-vocational teacher in Vocational Higher Secondary schools – Orders issued. ``` ``` --------------------------------------------------------------------- ``` ``` General Education (S.C) Department ``` ``` G.O.(MS) No.18/2012/DGE. Thiruvananthapuram, dated 1[st] January, 2012 ``` ``` --------------------------------------------------------------------- ``` ``` Reference: - (1) Government Order (MS) No. 131/191/ DGE dated ``` ``` 20.08.1991. ``` ``` (2) Letter no. C.2/16822/07 dated 03.06.2011 of the Director of Vocational Higher Secondary Education. ``` ## **`W.A.Nos 205, 206, 210, 218, 219 & 226 OF 2021`** -:20:- - _`(3) Government Order (P) No. 85/2011/Fin dated 26.02.2011.`_ ## _**`Order`**_ ``` As per the government order in reference (1), the heads of the schools offering vocational higher secondary courses were renamed as principals and a special pay was sanctioned for handling the work in the vocational higher secondary section as well. ``` ``` 2. However, the Director of Vocational Higher Secondary Education, vide the letter in reference (2), brought to the notice of the Government the practical difficulties in carrying out the day to day business of Vocational Higher Secondary Section pursuant to the grant of additional charge to the Academic Head of the Schools conducting vocational higher secondary courses. ``` ``` 3. In high schools conducting vocational higher secondary courses, the responsibility of this section is now held by the headmasters of the said schools. The control over the headmasters is vested in the Director of General Education. As per rules, the Director of Vocational Higher Secondary Education has no control over them now. Moreover, due to the wide extent of their duties, they are unable to pay full attention to the administration of the Vocational Higher Secondary Section. There is a constant demand before the government from various corners that the post of principal should be created here as in higher secondary schools and the department staff should themselves be appointed as principals. The Director of Vocational Higher Secondary Education has also requested the same. In higher secondary schools, though the post of principal has ``` ``` W.A.Nos 205, 206, 210, 218, 219 & 226 OF 2021 ``` ## -:21:- ``` been separately created, 'they have not been excluded from teaching duties'. As an amendment to the special rule is necessary for the creation of the post of principal for the vocational higher secondary section, this is a time consuming process. ``` ``` 4. As a remedy for the aforesaid matters, the Government are pleased to issue orders by provisionally assigning the administrative responsibility of the Vocational Higher Secondary School Section to "the vocational/non-vocational Teacher" who is the senior most in the Government sector and aided sector in vocational higher secondary schools in accordance with the following conditions. ``` ``` a) The seniority of vocational/non-vocational teachers shall be determined by taking into account the date on which they joined the said school. Age should be given priority if there are more persons who have entered service on the same day. ``` ``` b) Headmasters will continue to be headmasters of the high school section. ``` ``` c) Those who are thus given the charge of the vocational higher secondary section shall be entitled to a special allowance at the rate of Rs.1000 which is currently in receipt by the Headmaster. ``` ``` d) Those who are entrusted with this duty shall perform teaching also. ``` ``` e) The academic head of the vocational higher secondary section will cease to be eligible for the monthly special allowance at the rate of Rs.500/- which is currently in receipt. ``` ``` (By order of the Governor) ``` ## **`W.A.Nos 205, 206, 210, 218, 219 & 226 OF 2021`** -:22:- ``` Sd/- ``` ``` M. Sivasankar, Secretary to Government. ``` ``` Copy to:- ``` - _`1) Director, Vocational Higher Secondary Education, Thiruvananthapuram`_ - _`2) Director, Higher Secondary Education, Thiruvananthapuram.`_ - _`3) Director of General Education, Thiruvananthapuram,`_ - _`4) Principal Accountant General, Audit, Thiruvananthapuram.`_ - _`5) Accountant General, A & E, Thiruvananthapuram.`_ - _`6) Director, I&PRD`_ - _`7) Department of Finance`_ - _`8) For all sections of the General Education Department.`_ ``` By order Sd/- Section Officer ``` ``` Copy:- 1) P.S. to The Minister for Education ``` - _`2) P.A. to the Secretary, Department of General Education`_ `2. The dispute arose consequent upon the claims made by` ``` three teachers, Smt.Priyadarsini S., Shri S.Hariharan Pillai and Smt.Sindhu.B. The date of entry as Vocational Higher Secondary School Teacher in service of above teachers are as follows: ``` - `i. Priyadarsini - 1/12/1995 as Vocational Teacher` ## **`W.A.Nos 205, 206, 210, 218, 219 & 226 OF 2021`** ## -:23:- ``` ii. Hariharan Pillai - 3/2/1997 as Non-Vocational Teacher ``` ``` iii. Sindu - 29/1/1996 as a Part-time Non Vocational Teacher ``` ``` 3. Sindhu was appointed as regular non vocational teacher on 5/8/1997. She had a claim that her regularisation was with effect from 1/7/1996. ``` ``` 4. The Manager appointed Hariharan Pillai as the Principal-in-charge. We are not adverting to the facts as the learned Single Judge dealt with the facts in detail. The Directorate of General Education addressed the matter pursuant to the direction of this Court. All three claims were heard. The Director was of the view that Priyadarsini was not entitled to be appointed as the Principal as she availed leave without allowance from 9/8/2004 to 8/3/2018. However, after adverting to the rival claims between Hariharan Pillai and Sindu, the Director noted that Sindu is the Senior-most teacher as she entered service on 29/1/1996. These orders were challenged before the learned Single Judge. ``` ## **`W.A.Nos 205, 206, 210, 218, 219 & 226 OF 2021`** ## -:24:- ``` 5. The learned Single Judge upheld the claim of Sindu. This is how these appeals have been preferred by Priyadarsini and Hariharan Pillai. If this Court upholds the claim of Priyadarsini, inter se dispute of Hariharan Pillai and Sindu can be left open. Therefore, first we shall examine whether Priyadarsini is entitled to be appointed as the Principal. ``` ``` 6. Priyadarsini availed leave without allowance from 09/8/2004 to 8/3/2018. The vacancy arose on 1/6/2020. Government order does not speak about length of actual service required to be appointed as a Principal or as an Administrative Head. It only stipulates that the date of entry into service will have to be reckoned for the purpose of seniority. We note that Rule 44A of Chapter 14A of the Kerala Education Rules (KER) prescribed a minimum qualification for Headmaster in High Schools/Training Schools by prescribing 12 years of continuous graduate service. Absence of such stipulation in the executive order fortifies the fact that it is not continuous service, but the seniority alone preferred to be ``` ## **`W.A.Nos 205, 206, 210, 218, 219 & 226 OF 2021`** ## -:25:- ``` reckoned for appointing Administrative Head/Principal of Vocational Higher Secondary Schools. We do not find any rules or executive orders prescribing that a person who availed leave without allowance will not be eligible to claim seniority from the original date of entry into service after rejoining duty. In case of normal promotion under the Kerala State & Subordinate Services Rules (KS&SSR), Rule 28, and also under Rule 56 of Chapter 14A KER, incorporating KSR in regard to leave without allowance fortifies the legal position that a person who availed leave without allowance will lose seniority only during the period of leave and not after the period of leave. That means, if any junior supersedes the senior during the period of leave, senior cannot complain against such supersession. However, the situation is different when a senior joins duty after the leave. On rejoining duty, the senior will be entitled to have all privileges he had before he left. (See Rule 8 of KS&SSR 1958). Though KS&SSR will not have direct application in this matter, it can be taken as general principle of law applicable to employees who draw from public exchequer unless contrary ``` ## **`W.A.Nos 205, 206, 210, 218, 219 & 226 OF 2021`** ## -:26:- ``` stipulation is made under executive order or under special rules. Anyway, as already noted, there are no other special rules or executive orders that prevent a teacher from claiming seniority for being absent from service after the period of leave. In such circumstances, seniority must be reckoned from the date of entry in service. A Division Bench in Nirmala Devi v. State of Kerala and Others [2009 KHC 1340] in a matter related to leave without allowance, granted to a teacher of aided school, this Court categorically held as follows: ``` ``` 6. A reading of the above rule would show that if the vacancy in the post of Headmaster arose during the sixth respondent's leave period, the appellant could have been promoted and on her return, the sixth respondent should continue as a UPSA. The sixth respondent, in that event, will not have any claim for promotion as Headmaster, reverting the appellant. But, in this case, no vacancy arose during the sixth respondent's leave period. Therefore, in the lower cadre of UPSA, the sixth respondent will not lose seniority and, in preference to the appellant, she is entitled for promotion to the vacancy which arose after her leave period. In view of the above position, we find that the Director of Public Instruction and the Government, as per Exts. P6 and P8 orders, decided in favour of the sixth respondent rightly. So, the learned Single Judge has correctly dismissed the Writ Petition. ``` ``` (emphasis supplied) ``` ## **`W.A.Nos 205, 206, 210, 218, 219 & 226 OF 2021`** -:27:- ``` 7. In the light of the above judgment and the principles of law, and in the absence of any stipulation in the executive order, Priyadarsini is entitled to claim the post of Principal in Vocational Higher Secondary School, in a vacancy which occurred after 1/6/2020. The impugned judgment and order are set aside. We order that Priyadarsini shall be appointed in the post of Principal forthwith. Inter se dispute between Hariharan Pillai and Sindu is left open. ``` ``` The writ appeals are disposed of as above. ``` **==> picture [27 x 10] intentionally omitted <==** ## **`A.MUHAMED MUSTAQUE, JUDGE`** ``` Sd/- SHOBA ANNAMMA EAPEN, JUDGE ``` ``` ms ```