The Directorate of Teachers Education, v. S.Uma,

J U D G M E N T (Delivered by Dr. A.D. Maria Clete, J) This Writ Appeal is preferred against the order dated 06.04.2022 passed by the learned single Judge in W.P. No. 28670 of 2016.

¶2The respondent entered into service as a Secondary Grade Teacher on

30.10.1996 by virtue of the proceedings of the second appellant. After two years, her recruitment was questioned on the ground that the PUC qualification obtained by her in the State of Karnataka was not equivalent to the Teacher Training Certificate recognized in the State of Tamil Nadu. Consequently, a show cause notice was issued proposing termination from service.

¶3From 1998 till date, the respondent has continued in service owing to interim orders passed either by the erstwhile Tamil Nadu Administrative Tribunal or by this Court. As of now, the respondent has completed nearly 28 years of service, yet the uncertainty regarding her service continues to loom over her.

¶4The learned Single Judge, held that at this stage it is not open for the Court to re-examine the issue of equivalence of the PUC qualification obtained by the respondent in Karnataka with that of the Tamil Nadu Teacher Training Certificate. It is an admitted fact that the respondent has subsequently acquired a B.Lit. (Tamil) degree and a B.Ed. Qualification.

¶5It is the contention of the appellants that these subsequent qualifications render the respondent overqualified for the post of Secondary Grade Teacher. They further contend that the higher qualifications acquired during the pendency of the proceedings cannot be considered as equivalent to the Tamil Nadu Teacher Training Certificate, particularly because the respondent has not undergone the requisite two-year teacher training course.

¶6We find ourselves in agreement with the view taken by the learned Single Judge, taking into account the passage of time and the long, uninterrupted service rendered by the respondent.

¶7In view of the above, we find no reason to interfere with the well-reasoned order passed by the learned Single Judge.

¶8Accordingly, the Writ Appeal stands dismissed. There shall be no order as to costs. Consequently, the connected Miscellaneous petition is closed. (R.S.K., J) (A.D.M.C., J)

18.03.2025 ay Index: Yes/No Speaking Order / Non-Speaking Order To

1.The Directorate of Teachers Education, Training & Research Institute, College Road, Chennai -6.

2.The District Elementary Educational Officer, Vellore District, Vellore.

3.The Additional Assistant Elementary Educationl Officer, Kaniyambadi, Vellore-4.

4.The Head Master, Panchayat Union Elementary School, Kilarasampattu, Kaniyambadi Panchayat Union, Vellore District.

5.The Section Officer, VR Section, High Court of Madras, Chennai. W.A.No.83oofo2023 R.SURESHoKUMAR,oJ and DR.oA.D.oMARIAoCLETE,oJ ay o W.A.oNo.o83oofo2023 and C.M.P.No.767oofo2023

18.03.2025o

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 18.03.2025 CORAM: THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE R.SURESH KUMAR and THE HONOURABLE DR.JUSTICE A.D.MARIA CLETE and C.M.P.No.767 of 2023 1.The Directorate of Teachers Education, Training & Research Institute, College Road, Chennai -6. 2.The District Elementary Educational Officer, Vellore District, Vellore. 3.The Additional Assistant Elementary Educational Officer, Kaniyambadi, Vellore-4. 4.The Head Master, Panchayat Union Elementary School, Kilarasampattu, Kaniyambadi Panchayat Union, Vellore District. ... Appellants Vs. S.Uma, W/o.V.Ramamurthy, Secondary Grade Teacher, Arasampattu Elementary School, Kaniyambadi Panchayat Union, Vellore District. ... Respondent PRAYER: Writ Appeal filed under Clause 15 of the Letters Patent against the order passed in W.P. No.28670 of 2016 dated 06.04.2022. For Appellants : Mr. J.C. Durairaj, Additional Government Pleader. For Respondent : Mr. M. Muthappan.