LI Network
Published on: January 5, 2024 at 00:53 IST
The Supreme Court recently ruled in favor of three teachers from a U.P. school, directing the State to pay their withheld salaries. The Court asserted that the teachers were not at fault, emphasizing their entitlement to receive their salaries.
The case revolved around the appointment of three teachers where the Director of Education had sanctioned two Assistant Teacher posts for the school. However, the school’s Manager sought permission to advertise three posts, which was granted by the District Basic Education Officer (DBEO).
Upon the Selection Committee’s nomination and subsequent approval by the DBEO, the teachers were appointed in 1999. However, from October 2005, their salaries were abruptly halted, prompting them to seek relief from the High Court.
Despite contestations by the DBEO alleging collusion between the school management and the teachers, both a Single Bench and a Division Bench of the High Court dismissed the teachers’ petitions. They held the teachers responsible for the forged sanction order and invalidated their appointments.
Appealing to the Supreme Court, the teachers argued their innocence and continuous service until March 2016. The State defended its judgments, claiming fraud in the selection process.
After reviewing the case materials and considering arguments, the Supreme Court bench, comprising Justices JK Maheshwari and KV Viswanathan, found no merit in the State’s stance.
The Court observed that there was no evidence implicating the teachers in any malpractice. It highlighted previous cases where officials were allowed to continue despite irregularities, emphasizing the absence of blameworthy conduct by the teachers.
The Court directed the State to pay the teachers’ salaries from their date of appointment till January 2002 in full. For the period from October 2005 to the judgment date, 50% of the backwages were ordered. Additionally, all service benefits were granted, and the teachers were deemed to be in continuous service.
The State was given four weeks to comply with the orders, with permission to issue a show-cause notice to the school’s Management Committee. The Court also allowed partial recovery of arrears from the management, subject to specified conditions.
