Disposed

S.Hariharan Pillai v. State of Kerala

Kerala HC14 Feb 2024WA/218/2021

Case brief

AI extract

What is this about?

Writ appeals over appointment of Principal of a Vocational Higher Secondary School among three teachers claiming seniority. The Division Bench held that leave without allowance does not forfeit post-leave seniority claims, appointed Priyadarsini as Principal, and left open the inter se dispute between the other two claimants.

What did the court decide?

Impugned judgment set aside; Priyadarsini ordered appointed Principal forthwith.

S.Hariharan Pillai Vs State of Kerala — Education and Admissions | Kerala HC (2024)

¶1

IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM

¶2

PRESENT

¶3

THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE A.MUHAMED MUSTAQUE

¶4

¶5

THE HONOURABLE MRS. JUSTICE SHOBA ANNAMMA EAPEN

¶6

WEDNESDAY, THE 14TH DAY OF FEBRUARY 2024 / 25TH MAGHA, 1945

¶7

W.A.NO.205OF 2021

¶8

AGAINST THE JUDGMENT DATED 08.01.2021 IN WP(C) 23044/2020

¶9

APPELLANT:

¶10

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.

¶11

W.A.Nos 205, 206, 210, 218, 219 & 226 OF 2021

¶12

-:2:-

¶13

W.A.NO.205 OF 2021

¶14

RESPONDENTS:

¶15

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.

¶16

2 STATE OF KERALA, REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT, GENERAL EDUCATION(SC)DEPARTMENT, GOVERNMENT OF KERALA, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-695001.

¶17

3 THE DIRECTOR OF GENERAL EDUCATION, GOVERNMENT OF KERALA, HOUSING BOARD COMPLEX, 5TH FLOOR, FIRE FORCE JUNCTION, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - 695001.

¶18

4 THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, REGIONAL OFFICE OF VOCATIONAL HIGHER SECONDARY EDUCATION, KATTAKADA, KOLLAM-691008.

¶19

5 VOCATIONAL HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL, KARAVARAM, KALLAMBALAM P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM695605, REPRESENTED BY ITS MANAGER.

¶20

6 SMT.PRIYADARSHINI S., VOCATIONAL TEACHER IN CIVIL, CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE (IN SHORT CCM), VOCATIONAL HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL, KARAVARAM, KALLAMBALAM P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-695605.

¶21

7 SMT.GIRIJA A.S., NON-VOCATIONAL TEACHER IN PHYSICS, VOCATIONAL HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL, KARAVARAM, KALLAMBALAM P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-695605.

¶22

W.A.Nos 205, 206, 210, 218, 219 & 226 OF 2021

¶23

-:3:-

¶24

W.A.NO.205 OF 2021

¶25

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

¶26

SRI.A.J.VARGHESE, SENIOR GOVERNMENT PLEADER

¶27

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:

¶28

W.A.Nos 205, 206, 210, 218, 219 & 226 OF 2021

¶29

-:4:-

¶30

IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM

¶31

PRESENT

¶32

THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE A.MUHAMED MUSTAQUE

¶33

¶34

THE HONOURABLE MRS. JUSTICE SHOBA ANNAMMA EAPEN

¶35

WEDNESDAY, THE 14TH DAY OF FEBRUARY 2024 / 25TH MAGHA, 1945

¶36

WA NO.218OF 2021

¶37

AGAINST THE JUDGMENT DATED 08.01.2021 IN WP(C) 22198/2020 ----

¶38

APPELLANTS:

¶39

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.

¶40

W.A.Nos 205, 206, 210, 218, 219 & 226 OF 2021

¶41

-:5:-

¶42

WA NO.218OF 2021

¶43

RESPONDENTS:

¶44

1 STATE OF KERALA, REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT, GENERAL EDUCATION (SC) DEPARTMENT, GOVERNMENT OF KERALA, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - 695 001.

¶45

2 THE DIRECTOR GENERAL OF EDUCATION, GOVERNMENT OF KERALA, HOUSING BOARD COMPLEX, 5TH FLOOR, FIRE FORCE JUNCTION, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - 695 001.

¶46

3 THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, REGIONAL OFFICE OF VOCATIONAL HIGHER SECONDARY EDUCATION, KATTAKADA, KOLLAM - 691 008.

¶47

4 SENIOR ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER, DIRECTORATE OF GENERAL EDUCATION (VHSE WING), THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - 695 014.

¶48

5 VOCATIONAL HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL,

¶49

KARAVARAM, KALLAMBALAM P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - 695 605, REPRESENTED BY ITS MANAGER.

¶50

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.

¶51

BY ADV.SRI.N.UNNIKRISHNAN BY ADV.K.B.ARUNKUMAR

¶52

BY SMT.VINITHA B., SENIOR GOVERNMENT PLEADER

¶53

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:

¶54

W.A.Nos 205, 206, 210, 218, 219 & 226 OF 2021

¶55

-:6:-

¶56

IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM

¶57

PRESENT

¶58

THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE A.MUHAMED MUSTAQUE

¶59

¶60

THE HONOURABLE MRS. JUSTICE SHOBA ANNAMMA EAPEN

¶61

WEDNESDAY, THE 14TH DAY OF FEBRUARY 2024 / 25TH MAGHA, 1945

¶62

WA NO. 206 OF 2021

¶63

AGAINST THE JUDGMENT DATED 08.01.2021 IN WP(C) 27668/2020 ----

¶64

APPELLANT:

¶65

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

¶66

RESPONDENTS:

¶67

1 MANAGER, VOCATIONAL HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL KARAVARAM, KALLAMBALAM P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - 695 605.

¶68

W.A.Nos 205, 206, 210, 218, 219 & 226 OF 2021

¶69

-:7:-

¶70

WA NO. 206 OF 2021

¶71

2 STATE OF KERALA, REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT, GENERAL EDUCATION (SC) DEPARTMENT, GOVERNMENT OF KERALA, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - 695 001.

¶72

3 THE DIRECTOR OF GENERAL EDUCATION, GOVERNMENT OF KERALA, HOUSING BOARD COMPLEX, 5TH FLOOR, FIRE FORCE JUNCTION, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - 695 001.

¶73

4 THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, REGIONAL OFFICE OF VOCATIONAL HIGHER SECONDARY EDUCATION, KATTAKADA, KOLLAM - 691 008.

¶74

5 SENIOR ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER DIRECTORATE OF GENERAL EDUCATION (VHSE WING), THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - 695 014.

¶75

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.

¶76

SRI.N.UNNIKRISHNAN

¶77

SRI.K.B.ARUNKUMAR

¶78

BY SMT.VINITHA B., SENIOR GOVERNMENT PLEADER

¶79

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:

¶80

W.A.Nos 205, 206, 210, 218, 219 & 226 OF 2021

¶81

-:8:-

¶82

IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM

¶83

PRESENT

¶84

THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE A.MUHAMED MUSTAQUE

¶85

¶86

THE HONOURABLE MRS. JUSTICE SHOBA ANNAMMA EAPEN

¶87

WEDNESDAY, THE 14TH DAY OF FEBRUARY 2024 / 25TH MAGHA, 1945

¶88

WA NO. 210OF 2021

¶89

AGAINST THE JUDGMENT DATED 08.01.2021 IN WP(C) 22171/2020 ----

¶90

APPELLANT:

¶91

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.

¶92

W.A.Nos 205, 206, 210, 218, 219 & 226 OF 2021

¶93

-:9:-

¶94

WA NO. 210OF 2021

¶95

RESPONDENTS:

¶96

1 PRIYADARSHINI S., AGED 49 YEARS, VOCATIONAL TEACHER IN CIVIL CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE, KARAVARAM VOCATIONAL HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL, KALLAMBALAM P.O, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-695605.

¶97

2 STATE OF KERALA, REP. BY THE SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT, GENERAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, SECRETARIAT, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, PIN-695001.

¶98

3 DIRECTOR OF GENERAL EDUCATION, JAGATHY, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-695 014.

¶99

4 SENIOR ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER, DIRECTORATE OF GENERAL EDUCAIOTN (VHSE WING), THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, PIN-695014.

¶100

5 ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, REGIONAL OFFICE OF VOCATIONAL HIGHER SECONDARY EDUCATION, KADAPPAKKADA, KOLLAM, PIN-691008.

¶101

6 MANAGER, KARAVARAM VOCATIONAL HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL, KALLAMBALAM P.O, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, PIN695605.

¶102

7SINDHU 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.

¶103

W.A.Nos 205, 206, 210, 218, 219 & 226 OF 2021

¶104

-:10:-

¶105

WA NO. 210 OF 2021

¶106

KUM.ABHIRAMI K. UDAY
SHRI.KURUVILLA SABU CHRISTY

¶107

BY SMT.VINITHA B., SENIOR GOVERNMENT PLEADER

¶108

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:

¶109

W.A.Nos 205, 206, 210, 218, 219 & 226 OF 2021

¶110

-:11:-

¶111

IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM

¶112

PRESENT

¶113

THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE A.MUHAMED MUSTAQUE

¶114

¶115

THE HONOURABLE MRS. JUSTICE SHOBA ANNAMMA EAPEN

¶116

WEDNESDAY, THE 14TH DAY OF FEBRUARY 2024 / 25TH MAGHA, 1945

¶117

WA NO.219OF 2021

¶118

AGAINST THE JUDGMENT DATED 08.01.2021 IN WP(C) 23044/2020 ----

¶119

APPELLANT:

¶120

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

¶121

W.A.Nos 205, 206, 210, 218, 219 & 226 OF 2021

¶122

-:12:-

¶123

WA NO.219OF 2021

¶124

RESPONDENTS:

¶125

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.

¶126

2 STATE OF KERALA, REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT, GENERAL EDUCATION (SC) DEPARTMENT, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, PIN-695 001.

¶127

3 DIRECTOR OF GENERAL EDUCATION, GOVERNMENT OF KERALA, HOUSING BOARD COMPLEX, 5TH FLOOR, FIRE FORCE JUNCTION, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, PIN695 001.

¶128

4 ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, REGIONAL OFFICE OF VOCATIONAL HIGHER SECONDARY EDUCATION, KADAPPAKKADA, KOLLAM, PIN-691 008.

¶129

5 VOCATIONAL HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL, KARAVARAM, KALLAMBALAM P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, PIN695 605, REPRESENTED BY ITS MANAGER

¶130

6 SMT. GIRIJA A.S., NON-VOCATIONAL TEACHER IN PHYSICS, VOCATIONAL HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL, KARAVARAM, KALLAMBALAM P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-695 605.

¶131

7 S.HARIHARAN PILLAI, NON-VOCATIONAL TEACHER IN PHYSICS, VOCATIONAL HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL, KARAVARAM, KALLAMBALAM P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-695 605.

¶132

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.

¶133

BY ADV.SRI.N.UNNIKRISHNAN

¶134

W.A.Nos 205, 206, 210, 218, 219 & 226 OF 2021

¶135

-:13:-

¶136

WA NO.219 OF 2021

¶137

BY ADV.THOMAS ABRAHAM

¶138

BY ADV.K.B.ARUNKUMAR

¶139

BY SRI.A.J.VARGHESE, SENIOR GOVERNMENT PLEADER

¶140

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:

¶141

W.A.Nos 205, 206, 210, 218, 219 & 226 OF 2021

¶142

-:14:-

¶143

IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM

¶144

PRESENT

¶145

THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE A.MUHAMED MUSTAQUE

¶146

¶147

THE HONOURABLE MRS. JUSTICE SHOBA ANNAMMA EAPEN

¶148

WEDNESDAY, THE 14TH DAY OF FEBRUARY 2024 / 25TH MAGHA, 1945

¶149

WA NO. 226OF 2021

¶150

AGAINST THE JUDGMENT DATED 08.01.2021 IN WP(C) 22171/2020 ----

¶151

APPELLANT:

¶152

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

¶153

W.A.Nos 205, 206, 210, 218, 219 & 226 OF 2021

¶154

-:15:-

¶155

WA NO. 226 OF 2021

¶156

RESPONDENTS:

¶157

1 STATE OF KERALA, REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT, GENERAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, SECRETARIAT, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, PIN-695001.

¶158

2 DIRECTOR OF GENERAL EDUCATION, JAGATHY, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, PIN-695014.

¶159

3 SENIOR ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER, DIRECTORATE OF GENERAL EDUCATION (VHSE WING), THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, PIN-695014.

¶160

4 ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, REGIONAL OFFICE OF VOCATIONAL HIGHER SECONDARY EDUCATION, KADAPPAKKADA, KOLLAM, PIN-691008.

¶161

5 MANAGER, KARAVARAM VOCATIONAL HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL, KALLAMBALAM P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, PIN695605.

¶162

6 SINDHU B., NON-VOCATIONAL TEACHER IN ENGLISH, KARAVARAM VOCATIONAL HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL, KALLAMBALAM P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, PIN-695605.

¶163

7 S.HARIHARAN PILLAI, NON-VOCATIONAL TEACHER IN COMMERCE, KARAVARAM VOCATIONAL HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL, KALLAMBALAM P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, PIN695605.

¶164

BY ADV SRI.N.UNNIKRISHNAN BY ADV.THOMAS ABRAHAM BY
ADV.K.B.ARUNKUMAR

¶165

BY SMT.VINITHA B., SENIOR GOVERNMENT PLEADER

¶166

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:

¶167

W.A.Nos 205, 206, 210, 218, 219 & 226 OF 2021

¶168

-:16:-

¶169

A.MUHAMED MUSTAQUE & SHOBA ANNAMMA EAPEN, JJ.

¶170

W.A.Nos 205, 206, 210, 218, 219 & 226 OF 2021 “C.R.”

¶171

Dated this the 14th day of February, 2024

¶172

J U D G M E N T

¶173

A.Muhamed Mustaque, J.

¶174

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:

¶175

W.A.Nos 205, 206, 210, 218, 219 & 226 OF 2021

-:17:-

കേരളാ സർ്ᨪ ാർ

സംഗ്രഹം

പ ാതു വിദ്യാഭ്യാസ വേു്ᩔ് - പവാക്ᨪ ഷണൽ ഹയർ പസ്ᨪ്ᩂ റി വിദ്യാഭ്യാസം ജീവന്ᨪ ാരയം - പവാക്ᨪ ഷണൽ ഹയർ പസ്ᨪ്ᩂ റി സ്കൂളുേളിപെ ഏ്റവും സീനി യർ ആയ പവാക്ᨪ ഷണൽ / കനാൺ പവാക്ᨪ ഷണൽ അᩍ᪚യാ േന് പവാക്ᨪ ഷണൽ ഹയർ പസ്ᨪ്ᩂ റി സ്കൂൾ വിഭ്ാര്ᩈ ിന്പറ ഭ്രണ ചുമതെ അനുവദ്ി്ച് ഉ്ᩈ രവാേു്നു .

¶180

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¶181

പ ാതു വിദ്യാഭ്യാസ(എസ് . സി ) വേു്ᩔ്

¶182

സ . ഉ .( കേ ) നം .18/2012/ പ ാ . വി . വ തിരുവ്ᩌ ുരം , തീയതി 19.01.2012

¶183

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¶184

രാമർശം :-1. സർ്ᨪ ാർ ഉ്ᩈ രവ് ( കേ ) നം .131/91/ പ ാ . വി . വ തീയതി 20.08.1991.

¶185

2. പവാക്ᨪ ഷണൽ ഹയർപസ്ᨪ്ᩂ റി വിദ്യാഭ്യാസ ഡയറക്ടറുപെ 03.06.2011- പെ സി .2/16822/07 ന്ᩘ ർ േ്ᩈ് .

¶186

3. സർ്ᨪ ാർ ഉ്ᩈ രവ് ( അ്ച െി ) നം .85/2011/ ധന തീയതി 26.02.2011.

¶187

ഉ്ᩈ രവ്

¶188

രാമർശം (1) പെ സർ്ᨪ ാർ ഉ്ᩈ രവ് ഗ് ോരം പവാക്ᨪ ഷണൽ ഹയർ പസ്ᨪ്ᩂ റി കോഴ്സുേൾ ഉൾപ്ᨪ ാ്ᩦു്ന സ്കൂളുേളുപെ തെവ്മ ാപര ഗ് ിൻസി്ᩔ ൽമാരായി ുനർ നാമേരണം പചയത ് പവാക്ᨪ ഷണൽ ഹയർ പസ്ᨪ്ᩂ റി വിഭ്ാര്ᩈ ിപെ കജാെിേൾ കേോരയം പച്യു്ന തിന് ഒരു സ്പ ഷയൽ ക യും അനുവദ്ി്ച് നൽേി ഉ്ᩈ രവായിരു്നു .

¶189

(2) എ്ന ാൽ ഇഗ് ോരം പവാക്ᨪ ഷണൽ ഹയർപസ്ᨪ്ᩂ റി കോഴ്സുേൾ നെ്ᩈു്ന സ്കൂളുേളിപെ അ്ᨪ ാദ്മിേ് തെവന് അധിേ ചുമതെ നൽേു്ന തുമൂെം പവാക്ᨪ ഷണൽ ഹയർ പസ്ᨪ്ᩂ റി വിഭ്ാര്ᩈ ിന് ഉ്ᩂ ാേു്ന ോരയം നിർ്വ ഹണ്ᩈ ിപെ ഗ് ാകയാരിേ ബുᩍ᪚ിമു്ᨾു േൾ രാമർശം (2) പെ േ്ᩈ് മുകേന പവാക്ᨪ ഷണൽ ഹയർ പസ്ᨪ്ᩂ റി വിദ്യാഭ്യാസ ഡയറക്ടർ സർ്ᨪ ാരിന്പറ ഗ്ശᩍ᪚ യിൽപ്ᩔ െു്ᩈു േയു്ᩂ ായി . (3) പവാക്ᨪ ഷണൽ ഹയർപസ്ᨪ്ᩂ റി കോഴ്സുേൾ നെ്ᩈു്ന കഹസ്കൂളുേളിൽ െിവിഭ്ാര്ᩈ ിന്പറ ചുമതെ ഇക്ᩔ ാൾ ഗ് സ്തുത സ്കൂളുേളിപെ പഹഡ്മാ്ഹ ർമാരാണ് വഹി്ᨪു്ന ത് . പഹഡ്മാ്ഹ ർമാരുപെ കമെു്ᩦ നിയഗ ണം പ ാതുവിദ്യാഭ്യാസ ഡയറക്ടറിൊണ് നി്ᩌ ിപ്തമാ്ᨪ പ്ᩔ്ᨾ ി്ᨾു്ᩦ ത്. പവാക്ᨪ ഷണൽ ഹയർപസ്ᨪ ന്ററി വിദ്യാഭ്യാസ ഡയറക്ടർ്ᨪ് ഇവരുപെ കമൽ ഇക്ᩔ ാൾ നിയമ രമായ യാപതാരു നിയഗ ണവുമി്ᩤ ... മാഗ്തമ്ᩤ േൃതയനിർ്വ ഹണ്ᩈ ിന്പറ വയാപ്തി മൂെം പവാക്ᨪ ഷണൽ ഹയർ

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പസ്ᨪ ന്ററി വിഭ്ാര്ᩈ ിന്പറ ഭ്രണ്ᩈ ിൽ ഇവർ്ᨪ് ൂർ്ᩆ മായും ഗ്ശᩍ᪚ി്ᨪ ാൻ േഴിയാ്ᩈ അവ്ഽ യുമാണ്. ഹയർ പസ്ᨪ ന്ററി സ്കൂളുേളിപെ ക ാപെ ഇവിപെയും ഗ് ിൻസി്ᩔ ൽ തസ്തിേ സൃ്ി ി്ᨪ ണപമ്നു ം വേു്ᩔ ിപെ ജീവന്ᨪ ാപര തപ്ന ഗ് ിൻസി്ᩔ ൊയി നിയമി്ᨪ ണപമ്നു ം വിവിധ കേഗ്ര്ങ ളിൽ നിര്ᩌ രമായ ആവശയം സർ്ᨪ ാർ മുൻ ാപേ ഉ്ന യി്ᨪ പ്ᩔ െു്നു്ᩂ് . പവാക്ᨪ ഷണൽ ഹയർപസ്ᨪ ന്ററി വിദ്യാഭ്യാസ ഡയറക്ടറും ഇ്ᨪ ാരയം ആവശയപ്ᩔ്ᨾ ി്ᨾു്ᩂ് . ഹയർപസ്ᨪ ന്ററി സ്കൂളുേളിൽ ഗ് ിൻസി്ᩔ ൽ തസ് ഗ് കതയേം ഹയർപസ്ᨪ ന്ററി സൃ്ി ി്ച ി്ᨾു പ്ᩂ്ഝ ിെും അധയാ ന്ᩈ ിൽ നി്ന് . "അവപര ഒഴിവാ്ᨪ ിയി്ᨾി്ᩤ . പവാക്ᨪ ഷണൽ ഹയർപസ്ᨪ ന്ററി വിഭ്ാര്ᩈ ികെ്ᨪ് ഗ് ിൻസി്ᩔ ൽ തസ്തിേ സൃ്ി ി്ᨪു്ന തിന് സ്പ ഷയൽ റൂൾ കഭ്ദ്രതി അനിവാരയമായതിനാൽ ഇത് ോെതാമസം വരു്ᩈു്ന ഗ് ഗ്േിയയാണ്. (4) കമൽവിവരി്ച ോരയ്ങ ൾ്ᨪ് ഒരു രിഹാരപമ്ന നിെയ ് പവാക്ᨪ ഷണൽ ഹയർപസ്ᨪ ന്ററി സ്കൂളുേളിപെ സർ്ᨪ ാർ. കമേെയിപെയും എയ് ഡ കമേെയിപെയും ഏ്റവും സീനിയറായ പവാക്ᨪ ഷണൽ അപ്ᩤ്ഝ ിൽ കനാൺ പവാക്ᨪ ഷണൽ " " അᩍ᪚യാ േന് പവാക്ᨪ ഷണൽ ഹയർപസ്ᨪ ന്ററി സ്കൂൾ വിഭ്ാര്ᩈ ിന്പറ ഭ്രണ ചുമതെ താപഴ്ᩔ റയു്ന വയവ്ഽ േൾ്ᨪ് അനുസൃതമായി താത്ോെിേമായി നൽേിപ്ᨪ ാ്ᩂ് സർ്ᨪ ാർ ഉ്ᩈ രവാേു്നു .

¶193

എ) പവാക്ᨪ ഷണൽ / കനാൺ പവാക്ᨪ ഷണൽ അധയാ േരുപെ സീനികയാറി്റി നി്ാ യി്ᨪു്ന ത് അവർ െി സ്കൂളിൽ കജാെിയിൽ ഗ് കവശി്ച തി്യ തി േണ്ᨪ ിപെെു്ᩈ ായിരി്ᨪു ം. ഒകര ദ്ിവസം കജാെിയിൽ ഗ് കവശി്ച വരുപ്ᩂ്ഝ ിൽ ഗ് ായ്ᩈ ിന് മുൻരണന നൽകേ്ᩂ താണ്.

¶194

ബി) പഹഡ്മാ്ഹ ർമാർ കഹസ്കൂൾ വിഭ്ാര്ᩈ ിന്പറ പഹഡ്മാ്ഹ ർമാരായി തുെരു്ന താണ്.

¶195

സി) ഇ്ങ പന പവാക്ᨪ ഷണൽ ഹയർ പസ്ᨪ ന്ററി വിഭ്ാര്ᩈ ിന്പറ ചുമതെ നൽേപ്ᩔ െു്ന വർ്ᨪ് നിെവിൽ പഹഡ്മാ്ഹ ർ്ᨪ് െഭ്ി്ചു വ്ന 1000 രൂ സ്പ ഷയൽ അെവൻസിന് അർഹത ഉ്ᩂ ായിരി്ᨪു്ന താണ്.

¶196

ഡി) ഇ്ങ പന ചുമതെ െഭ്ി്ᨪ പ്ᩔ െു്ന വർ അധയാ ന കജാെിയും നിർവഹിക്ᨪ്ᩂ താണ്.

¶197

ഇ) പവാക്ᨪ ഷണൽ ഹയർ പസ്ᨪ ന്ററി വിഭ്ാര്ᩈ ിപെ അ്ᨪ ാദ്മിേ് തെവന് ഇക്ᩔ ാൾ ഗ് തിമാസം െഭ്ി്ചു പോ്ᩂ ിരി്ᨪു്ന 500 രൂ സ്പ ഷയൽ അെവൻസിന് അർഹതയു്ᩂ ായിരി്ᨪു േയി്ᩤ .

¶198

(രവർ്ᩆ റുപെ ഉ്ᩈ രവിൻ ഗ് ോരം) എം.ശിവശ്ഝ ർ രവൺപമന്റ് പസഗ്േ്ᨾറി

¶199

ഡയറക്ടർ, പവാക്ᨪ ഷണൽ ഹയർപസ്ᨪ ന്ററി വിദ്യാഭ്യാസം, തിരുവന്ᩌ ുരം 2) ഡയറക്ടർ, ഹയർപസ്ᨪ ന്ററി വിദ്യാഭ്യാസം, തിരുവന്ᩌ ുരം.

¶200

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¶202

പ ാതുവിദ്യാഭ്യാസ ഡയറക്ടർ, തിരുവന്ᩌ ുരം, 4) ഗ് ിൻസി്ᩔ ൽ അ്ᨪ ൗ്ᩂ ന്റ് ജനറൽ, ആഡി്റ് , തിരുവന്ᩌ ുരം. 5) അ്ᨪ ൗ്ᩂ ന്റ് ജനറൽ, ഏ, & ഇ , തിരുവന്ᩌ ുരം. 6) ഡയറക്ടർ, ഐ & ി.ആർ.ഡി 7) ധനോരയ വേു്ᩔ് ം. . 8) പ ാതുവിദ്യാഭ്യാസ വേു്ᩔ ിപെ എ്ᩤ ാ പസ്ᩌ നുേൾ്ᨪു ഉ്ᩈ രവിൻ ഗ് ോരം പസ്ᩌ ൻ ഓഫീസർ

¶203

േർ്ᩔ് :- 1) വിദ്യാഭ്യാസ വേു്ᩔ് മഗ ിയുപെ ി.എസ്-ന്

¶204

പ ാതുവിദ്യാഭ്യാസ വേു്ᩔ് പസഗ്േ്ᨾറിയുപെ ി.എ.്ᨪ്

¶205

English translation of the above government order reads thus:

¶206

GOVERNMENT OF KERALA

¶207

Abstract

¶208

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.

¶209

---------------------------------------------------------------------

¶210

General Education (S.C) Department

¶211

G.O.(MS) No.18/2012/DGE. Thiruvananthapuram, dated 1st January, 2012

¶212

Reference: - (1) Government Order (MS) No. 131/191/ DGE dated
20.08.1991.

¶213

(2) Letter no. C.2/16822/07 dated 03.06.2011 of the Director of
Vocational Higher Secondary Education.

¶214

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-:20:-

¶216

(3) Government Order (P) No. 85/2011/Fin dated 26.02.2011.

¶217

Order

¶218

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.

¶219

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.

¶220

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

¶221

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¶223

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.

¶224

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.

¶225

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.

¶226

b) Headmasters will continue to be headmasters of the high school
section.

¶227

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.

¶228

d) Those who are entrusted with this duty shall perform teaching also.

¶229

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.

¶230

(By order of the Governor)

¶231

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¶233

 Sd/-

¶234

 M. Sivasankar,

¶235

Secretary to Government.

¶236

Copy to:-

¶237

1) Director, Vocational Higher Secondary Education, Thiruvananthapuram

¶238

2) Director, Higher Secondary Education, Thiruvananthapuram.

¶239

3) Director of General Education, Thiruvananthapuram,

¶240

4) Principal Accountant General, Audit, Thiruvananthapuram.

¶241

5) Accountant General, A & E, Thiruvananthapuram.

¶242

6) Director, I&PRD

¶243

7) Department of Finance

¶244

8) For all sections of the General Education Department.

¶245

 By order
Sd/- Section Officer

¶246

Copy:- 1) P.S. to The Minister for Education

¶247

 2) P.A. to the Secretary, Department of General Education

¶248

2. The dispute arose consequent upon the claims made by

¶249

three teachers, Smt.Priyadarsini S., Shri S.Hariharan Pillai and

¶250

Smt.Sindhu.B. The date of entry as Vocational Higher Secondary
School Teacher in service of above teachers are as follows:

¶251

i. Priyadarsini - 1/12/1995 as Vocational Teacher

¶252

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¶254

ii. Hariharan Pillai - 3/2/1997 as Non-Vocational Teacher

¶255

iii. Sindu - 29/1/1996 as a Part-time Non Vocational Teacher

¶256

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.

¶257

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

¶258

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.

¶259

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¶261

5. The learned Single Judge upheld the claim of

¶262

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.

¶263

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

¶264

in the executive order fortifies the fact that it is not
continuous service, but the seniority alone preferred to be

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¶267

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,

¶268

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

¶269

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¶271

stipulation is made under executive order or under special rules.

¶272

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:

¶273

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.

¶274

 (emphasis supplied)

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¶277

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.

¶278

The writ appeals are disposed of as above.

¶279

Sd/-

¶280

A.MUHAMED MUSTAQUE, JUDGE

¶281

Sd/-
SHOBA ANNAMMA EAPEN, JUDGE

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ms

S.Hariharan Pillai v. State of Kerala

Case brief

What is this about?

What did the court decide?

S.Hariharan Pillai v. State of Kerala

Case brief

What is this about?

What did the court decide?

What the court decided

A compact analysis

Issues for consideration

Cases cited

Statutes considered

Parties & counsel

Coram

Case details

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