Citation : 2011 Latest Caselaw 252 Bom
Judgement Date : 20 December, 2011
1 2327.10.doc
vgm
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY
CIVIL APPELLATE JURISDICTION
WRIT PETITION NO. 2327 OF 2010
1. Darphale Yogita Jagannath
R/o. 305, Lokmanya Nagar, Aasara, Hotagi Road,
Solapur
2. Kshirsagar Sunita Purushottam
R/o. 289/90, Hatture Vasti, Laxmi Nagar, Vimantal,
Majarewadi Road, Solapur
3. Patane Rekha Annarao
R/o. Shri. Siddeshwar Sugar Factory (E Type Colony),
Kumthe, Solapur ...Petitioners
V/s.
1. The State of Maharashtra
through Education Department (Primary),
Mantralaya, Mumbai-32
2. Director of Art,
Sir J.J. School of Art Campus, Maharashtra State, Mumbai
3. Director of Education (Primary),
Maharashtra State, Pune-1
4. Maharashtra State Council of Examination,
through Commissioner, 17, Dr. Ambedkar Marg, Pune-1
5. The Education Officer (Primary), Zilla Parishad,
Solapur ...Respondents
WITH WRIT PETITION NO. 2504 OF 2010
1. Maske Ashok Ramhari R/o. At Post Kini, Tal. Akkalkot, Dist. Solapur
2. Hotkar Gangaram Vithal R/o. At Post Nagansur, Tal. Akkalkot, Dist. Solapur
2 2327.10.doc
3. Admane Sandip Ankush
R/o. At Post Wadwal, Tal. Mohol, Dist. Solapur
4. Gaikwad Manoj Margu R/o. Limayewadi, Opposite Bhairuvasti Uday Vikas School, Dist. Solapur
5. Rathod Vijay Gopichand
R/o. 63, Nehru Nagar, Vijapur Road, Solapur ...Petitioners
V/s.
1. State of Maharashtra through Education Department (Primary),
Mantralaya, Mumbai-32
2. Director of Art,
Sir J.J. School of Art Campus, Maharashtra State, Mumbai
3. Director of Education (Primary),
Maharashtra State, Pune-1
4. Maharashtra State Council of Examination, through Commissioner, 17, Dr. Ambedkar Marg, Pune-1
5. The Education Officer (Primary), Zilla Parishad,
Solapur ...Respondents
WITH WRIT PETITION NO. 3114 OF 2010
1. Survase Vikas Vitthal R/o. At Post Upale (Dhumala), Tal. Barshi, Dist. Solapur
2. Potdar Smruti Vinayak R/o. Opp. Chhatrapati Shivaji High School, Jagtap Nivas, Osmanabad
3 2327.10.doc
3. Gund Sadashiv Vinayak
R/o. At Post Ladole, Tal. Barshi, Dist. Solapur
4. Kshirsagar Nilesh Ravindra R/o. Solapur, Tal. North Solapur, Dist. Solapur
5. Barabade Rameshwar Baban, R/o. Upale (Du), Tal. Barshi, Dist. Solapur
6. Tupsamudre Santosh Sandipan R/o. Barshi, Tal. Barshi, Dist. Solapur
7. Deokar Varsha Shashikant R/o. E-16, Bhagyodaya Housing Society,
Nai Zindgi Road, Solapur
8. Gadhave Gurudevi Sidram
R/o. Solapur, Tal. North Solapur, Dist. Solapur
9. Kakade Kavita Jayhind R/o. Yavali, Tal. Barshi, Dist. Solapur
10. Metri Sidharay Changonda
R/o. Revansiddeshwar Nagar, Moti Bag, Vijapur Road, Solapur
11. Vangadare Maruti Chandrakant
R/o. Solapur, Tal. North Solapur, Dist. Solapur
12. Bhise Dipali Balasaheb R/o. At Post Vairag, Tal. Barshi, Dist. Solapur
13. Ghumare Shahaji Mahadev R/o. Darphal (Sina), Tal. Madha, Dist. Solapur
14. Choudhari Kalpana Dnyandev R/o. Chiplun, Tal. Chiplun, Dist. Ratnagiri
15. Kashik Pravin Dattatraya R/o. New Palace Chawl, Tal. Akkalkot, Dist. Solapur
4 2327.10.doc
16. Parakhe Swaminath Nagnath
R/o. At Post Manikpeth, Tal. Akkalkot, Dist. Solapur
17. Parandkar Jagdish Vasantrao R/o. Solapur, Tal. North Solapur, Dist. Solapur
18. Bendake Anita Sharanappa R/o. Solapur, Tal. North Solapur, Dist. Solapur
19. Ubale Pandurang Maruti R/o. Darphal (Sina), Tal. Madha, Dist. Solapur
20. Barbole Ratnadeep Baliram R/o. Solapur, Tal. North Solapur, Dist. Solapur ig ...Petitioners
V/s.
1. State of Maharashtra through Education Department (Primary), Mantralaya, Mumbai-32
2. Director of Art, Sir J.J. School of Art Campus, Maharashtra State,
Mumbai
3. Director of Education (Primary), Maharashtra State, Pune-1
4. Maharashtra State Council of Examination, through Commissioner, 17, Dr. Ambedkar Marg, Pune-1
5. The Education Officer (Primary), Zilla Parishad,
Solapur ...Respondents
WITH WRIT PETITION NO. 3160 OF 2010
1. Kanchan Purushottam Vyas, 159, South Kasba, Datta Chowk, Wankar Wada, Gopalkala Building, Near Shubaray Tower, Solapur
5 2327.10.doc
2. Komal Purushottam Vyas,
159, South Kasba, Datta Chowk, Wankar Wada, Gopalkala Building, Near Shubaray Tower, Solapur
3. Madukar Maryappa Chandanshive 41/404, New Budhawar Peth, Ramapati Chowk, Solapur
4. Dattatray Kalyan More
At Post Sakat (P), Tal. Barshi, Dist. Solapur, Sakat (P) ...Petitioners
V/s.
1. State of Maharashtra through Education Department (Primary),
Mantralaya, Mumbai-32
2. Director of Art,
Sir J.J. School of Art Campus, Maharashtra State, Mumbai
3. Director of Education (Primary),
Maharashtra State, Pune-1
4. Maharashtra State Council of Examination, through Commissioner, 17, Dr. Ambedkar Marg, Pune-1
5. The Education Officer (Primary), Zilla Parishad, Solapur ...Respondents WITH WRIT PETITION NO. 3648 OF 2010
1. Chabukswar Tukaram Krishna, Aged 26 years, R/o. C-9, 'Shrikrishna' Shrinagar, Jule Solapur, Vijapur Road, Solapur 413004
2. Paikekari Yogesh Abhiman, Aged 26 years, At Post Kalman, Tal. North Solapur, Kalman ...Petitioners
6 2327.10.doc
V/s.
1. State of Maharashtra
through Education Department (Primary), Mantralaya, Mumbai-32
2. Director of Art, Sir J.J. School of Art Campus, Maharashtra State,
Mumbai
3. Director of Education (Primary), Maharashtra State, Pune-1
4. Maharashtra State Council of Examination,
through Commissioner, 17, Dr. Ambedkar Marg, Pune-1
5. The Education Officer (Primary), Zilla Parishad,
Solapur ...Respondents WITH WRIT PETITION NO. 3895 OF 2010
1. Kamble Ankush Kundalik Age about 27 years
41/404, New Budhawar Peth, Ramapati Chowk, Solapur
2. Maske Ram Naganath
R/o. Deokuruli, At Khadaki, Tal. Tuljapur, Dist. Osmanabad ...Petitioners
V/s.
1. State of Maharashtra through Education Department (Primary), Mantralaya, Mumbai-32
2. Director of Art, Sir J.J. School of Art Campus, Maharashtra State, Mumbai
7 2327.10.doc
3. Director of Education (Primary),
Maharashtra State, Pune-1
4. Maharashtra State Council of Examination, through Commissioner, 17, Dr. Ambedkar Marg, Pune-1
5. The Education Officer (Primary), Zilla Parishad, Solapur ...Respondents
WITH WRIT PETITION NO. 2809 OF 2010
1. Uttam S/o. Suresh Raut,
Age 26 years, Occu: Nil R/o. Sapatne (Bhose), Tq. Madha, Dist. Solapur
2. Ashwini D/o. Chhagan Kadam Age 21 years, Occu: Nil
R/o. Kurduwadi, Tq. Madha, Dist. Solapur
3. Pratibha D/o. Sadashiv Nalwade, Age 24 years, Occu: Nil
R/o. Laul, Tq. Madha, Dist. Solapur
4. Sandhya D/o. Ganpat Londhe, Age 21 years, Ocu: Nil R/o. Shriramnagar (Raut Washti) Kurduwadi, Tq. Madhaa, Dist. Solapur ...Petitioners
V/s.
1. The State of Maharashtra through Education Department (Primary),
Mantralaya, Mumbai-32
2. Director of Education (Primary) Maharashtra State, Pune-1
3. Maharashtra State Council of Examination, through Commissioner, 17, Dr. Ambedkar Marg, Pune-1
8 2327.10.doc
4. The Education Officer (Primary), Zilla Parishad,
Solapur
(Copy to be sered on Respondents through G.P. High Court of Bombay, at Bombay) ...Respondents WITH WRIT PETITION NO. 2810 OF 2010
1. Parmeshwar S/o. Satyawan Barbole, Age 21 years, Occu. Nil R/o. Darfal (Seena), Tq. Madha, Dist. Solapur
2. Sunita D/o. Shivaji Nikam Age 24 years, Occu. Nil
R/o. Ujani (Ma), Tq. Madha, Dist. Solapur
3. Anita D/o. Ramesh Gaikwad,
Age 26 years, Occu. Nil, R/o. Kurduwadi, Tq. Madha, Dist. Solapur
4. Smita D/o. Machhindra Kadam,
Age 21 years, Occu. Nil R/o. Kurduwadi, Tq. Madha, Dist. Solapur ...Petitioners
V/s.
1. The State of Maharashtra
through Education Secretary (Primary), Mantralaya, Mumbai-32
2. Director of Education (Primary) Maharashtra State, Pune-1
3. Maharashtra State Council of Examination, through Commissioner, 17, Dr. Ambedkar Marg, Pune-1
4. The Education Officer (Primary), Zilla Parishad, Solapur
(Copy to be sered on Respondents through G.P.
High Court of Bombay, at Bombay) ...Respondents
9 2327.10.doc
WITH
WRIT PETITION NO. 2811 OF 2010
1. Somshekhar S/o. Kalyanrao Kalshetti, Age 37 years, Occu. Nil R/o. Plot No. 59, Mallikarjun Nagar, Hatture Wasti, Majare Wadi, Solapur, Dist. Solapur
2. Prashant S/o. Rupchand Kharat, Age 29 years, Occu. Nil, R/o. Bhimnagar, Akkalkot, Dist. Solapur
3. Laxman S/o. Birappa Mane,
Age 27 years, Occu. Nil, R/o. Mahalingeshwar Nagar, Kumthe, Solapur, Dist. Solapur
4. Rajeshri D/o. Prabhakar Mane, Age 23 years, Occu. Nil, R/o. 190/20, Jawalkar Wasti, Budhwar Peth,
Solaur, Dist. Solapur. ...Petitioners
V/s.
1. The State of Maharashtra through Education Secretary (Primary),
Mantralaya, Mumbai-32
2. Director of Education (Primary) Maharashtra State, Pune-1
3. Maharashtra State Council of Examination, through Commissioner, 17, Dr. Ambedkar Marg, Pune-1
4. The Education Officer (Primary), Zilla Parishad, Solapur
(Copy to be sered on Respondents through G.P.
High Court of Bombay, at Bombay) ...Respondents
10 2327.10.doc
WITH
WRIT PETITION NO. 2812 OF 2010
1. Sachin S/o.Kisan Salgude, Age 26 years, Occu. Nil, R/o. Ganesh Nagar, Kamati (Bk), Tq. Mohol, Dist. Solapur
2. Sandeep S/o. Bhaskar Jadhav, Age 28 years, Occu. Nil R/o. Shantinagar Apartment, Near New Santosh Nagar, Jule, Solapur,
Dist. Solapur
3. Rahul S/o. Baburao Mane, Age 24 years, Occu. Nil, R/o. 435, Utter Kasaba, Kaikadi Galli,
Solapur, Dist. Solapur
4. Amol S/o. Tanaji Nikam, Age 23 years, Occu. nil,
R/o. Wadala, Tq. and Dist. Solapur ...Petitioners
V/s.
1. The State of Maharashtra through Education Secretary (Primary),
Mantralaya, Mumbai-32
2. Director of Education (Primary) Maharashtra State, Pune-1
3. Maharashtra State Council of Examination, through Commissioner, 17, Dr. Ambedkar Marg, Pune-1
4. The Education Officer (Primary), Zilla Parishad, Solapur
(Copy to be sered on Respondents through G.P.
High Court of Bombay, at Bombay) ...Respondents
11 2327.10.doc
WITH
WRIT PETITION NO. 2813 OF 2010
1. Nitin S/o. Popat More,
Age 27 years, Occu. Nil,
R/o. Bangarde, Tq. Malshiras, Dist. Solapur
2. Dattu S/o. Gopal Gore, Age 24 years, Occu. Nil, R/o. Purandavada, Tq. Malshiras, Dist. Solapur
3. Vaibhav S/o. Lalasaheb Lonkar,
Age 25 years, Occu. Nil, R/o. Karhati, Tq. Baramati, Dist. Pune
4. Iqabal Nijam Mulani, Age 26 years, Occu. Nil, R/o. Shivpuri, Tq. Malshiras, Dist. Solapur ...Petitioners
V/s.
1. The State of Maharashtra through Education Secretary (Primary), Mantralaya, Mumbai-32
2. Director of Education (Primary) Maharashtra State, Pune-1
3. Maharashtra State Council of Examination, through Commissioner, 17, Dr. Ambedkar Marg, Pune-1
4. The Education Officer (Primary), Zilla Parishad, Solapur
(Copy to be sered on Respondents through G.P.
High Court of Bombay, at Bombay) ...Respondents
12 2327.10.doc
WITH
WRIT PETITION NO. 2814 OF 2010
1. Kulbhushan S/o. Babarao Rote,
Age 30 years, Occu. Nil,
R/o. Upale (Dumala), Tq. Barshi, Dist. Solapur
2. Siddheshwar S/o. Tukaram Shinde, Age 30 years, Occu. Nil, R/o. Upale (Dhumala), Tq. Barshi, Dist. Solapur
3. Ankush S/o. Rama Kolhe, Age 30 years, Occu. Nil,
R/o. Manegaon (Dha.), Tq. Barshi, Dist. Solapur
4. Varsharani D/o. Ramchandra Nirmale,
Age 25 years, Occu. Nil, R/o. 260, Ganganagar, Degaon Road, Solapur, Dist. Solapur ...Petitioners
V/s.
1. The State of Maharashtra through Education Secretary (Primary), Mantralaya, Mumbai-32
2. Director of Education (Primary) Maharashtra State, Pune-1
3. Maharashtra State Council of Examination, through Commissioner, 17, Dr. Ambedkar Marg, Pune-1
4. The Education Officer (Primary), Zilla Parishad, Solapur
(Copy to be sered on Respondents through G.P.
High Court of Bombay, at Bombay) ...Respondents
13 2327.10.doc
WITH
WRIT PETITION NO. 2815 OF 2010
1. Vishal S/o. Shahu Londhe,
Age 23 years, Occu. Nil,
R/o. Chincholi, Tq. Madha, Dist. Solapur
2. Shaikh Wasim Mahamud, Age 22 years, Occu. Nil, R/o. Kurduwadi, Patel Chowk, Tq. Madha, Dist. Solapur
3. Ashish S/o. Prafula Sawant,
Age 21 years, Occu. Nil, R/o. Kurduwadi, Tq. Madha, Dist. Solapur
4. Pramod S/o. Madanrao Patil, Age 27 years, Occu. Nil, R/o. Kurduwadi, Tq. Madha, Dist. Solapur ...Petitioners
V/s.
1. The State of Maharashtra through Education Secretary (Primary), Mantralaya, Mumbai-32
2. Director of Education (Primary) Maharashtra State, Pune-1
3. Maharashtra State Council of Examination, through Commissioner, 17, Dr. Ambedkar Marg, Pune-1
4. The Education Officer (Primary), Zilla Parishad, Solapur
(Copy to be sered on Respondents through G.P.
High Court of Bombay, at Bombay) ...Respondents
14 2327.10.doc
WITH
WRIT PETITION NO. 2816 OF 2010
1. Geetanjali D/o. Guruling Kamble,
Age 29 years, Occu. Nil,
R/o. 93/13, Satara Road, Isbavi, Pandharpur, Tq. Pandharpur, Dist. Solapur
2. Vishal S/o. Vijay Wagmare, Age 27 years, Occu. Nil, R/o. Begumpur, Tq. Mohal, Dist. Solapur ...Petitioners
V/s.
1. The State of Maharashtra through Education Secretary (Primary), Mantralaya, Mumbai-32
2. Director of Education (Primary) Maharashtra State, Pune-1
3. Maharashtra State Council of Examination, through Commissioner, 17, Dr. Ambedkar Marg, Pune-1
4. The Education Officer (Primary), Zilla Parishad, Solapur
(Copy to be sered on Respondents through G.P. High Court of Bombay, at Bombay) ...Respondents
WITH WRIT PETITION NO. 2817 OF 2010
1. Jagadish S/o. Vasudev Dange, Age 26 years, Occu: Nil, R/o. Shri Sant Sonaji Maharaj Math, Panadharpur,Tq. Pandharpur, Dist. Solapur
2. Amit S/o. Dattatraya Thorat, Age 21 years, Occu. Nil, R/o. Shivane, Tq. Sangola, Dist. Solapur
15 2327.10.doc
3. Pallavi D/o. Dattatraya Thorat, Age 26 years, Occu. Nil,
R/o. Shivane, Tq. Sangola, Dist. Solapur
4. Radhika D/o. Vasudev Dange, Age 24 years, Occu. Nil, R/o. Shri Sant Sonaji Maharaj Math, Pandharpur,
Tq. Pandharpur, Dist. Solapur ...Petitioners
V/s.
1. The State of Maharashtra through Education Secretary (Primary),
Mantralaya, Mumbai-32
2. Director of Education (Primary)
Maharashtra State, Pune-1
3. Maharashtra State Council of Examination, through Commissioner, 17, Dr. Ambedkar Marg, Pune-1
4. The Education Officer (Primary), Zilla Parishad,
Solapur
(Copy to be sered on Respondents through G.P. High Court of Bombay, at Bombay) ...Respondents
WITH WRIT PETITION NO. 2818 OF 2010
1. Sachin S/o. Nagnath Patil,
Age 26 years, Occu.Nil, R/o. Kolgaon, Tq. Karmala, Dist. Solapur
2. Mangesh S/o. Mohan Lachake, Age 24 years, Occu. Nil, R/o. Shivaji Chowk, Kurduwadi, Tq. Madha, Dist. Solapur
16 2327.10.doc
3. Nitin S/o. Vilas Satpute,
Age 24 years, Occu. Nil, R/o. Upalai (bk), Tq. Madha, Dist. Solapur
4. Ulhas S/o. Prakash Budhabal, Age 25 years, Occu. Nil, R/o. Takali, Tq. Madha, Dist. Solapur ...Petitioners
V/s.
1. The State of Maharashtra through Education Secretary (Primary),
Mantralaya, Mumbai-32
2. Director of Education (Primary) Maharashtra State, Pune-1
3. Maharashtra State Council of Examination, through Commissioner, 17, Dr. Ambedkar Marg, Pune-1
4. The Education Officer (Primary), Zilla Parishad,
Solapur
(Copy to be sered on Respondents through G.P. High Court of Bombay, at Bombay) ...Respondents
WITH
WRIT PETITION NO. 2819 OF 2010
1. Nitin S/o. Kisanrao Kawade, Age 29 years, Occu. Nil, R/o. A-25, Abhimanshri Commercial Complex,
Pune Road, Solapur, Dist. Solapur
2. Balasaheb S/o. Ramdas Lambture, Age 23 years, Occu. Nil, R/o. 125, Laxmi Peth, Thobade Wasti, Degaon Raod, Solapur, Dist. Solapur
17 2327.10.doc
3. Guranna S/o. Malappa Bagale,
Age 20 years, Occu. Nil, R/o. Kegaon (Kd), Tq. Akkalkot, Dist. Solapur
4. Chidanand S/o. Iresha Manglure, Age 21 years, Occu. Nil, R/o. Barur, Tq. North Solapur, Dist. Solapur
5. Sachin S/o. Kisanrao Kawade, Age 27 years, Occu. Nil, R/o. A-25, Abhimanshri Commercial Complex, Pune Road, Solapur, Dist. Solapur ...Petitioners
WITH WRIT PETITION NO. 2820 OF 2010
1. Pardurang S/o. Ambadas Bagade, Age 24 years, Occu. Nil, R/o. 3198/2,
Opp. Bankat Swami Math, Tq. Pandharpur, Dist. Solapur
2. Amit S/o. Mohanrao Thite,
Age 25 years, Occu. Nil, R/o. 4028/12, Station Road, Tq. Pandharpur,
Dist. Solapur
3. Sachin S/o. Vithal Devkar, Age 32 years, Occu. Nil, R/o. 1022, Nath Chowk,
Tq. Pandharpur, Dist. Solapur
4. Sow, Priti W/o. Milind Utpat, Age 32 years, Occu. Nil, R/o. 1339, Gandhi Road, Tq. Pandharpur, Dist. Solapur ...Petitioners
V/s.
1. The State of Maharashtra through Education Secretary (Primary), Mantralaya, Mumbai-32
2. Director of Education (Primary) Maharashtra State, Pune-1
18 2327.10.doc
3. Maharashtra State Council of Examination, through Commissioner, 17, Dr. Ambedkar Marg, Pune-1
4. The Education Officer (Primary), Zilla Parishad, Solapur
(Copy to be sered on Respondents through G.P.
High Court of Bombay, at Bombay) ...Respondents
In Writ Petition Nos. 2327, 2504 , 3114, 3160, 3648 and 3895 of 2010:
Mr. Vishwasrao Deokar with Ms. Ujawala Waychal for the Petitioners
Mr. V.S. Gokhale, A.G.P., for Respondent Nos. 1 to 3
Mr. Anup Nikam with Mr. Vaibhav Gaikwad for Respondent No. 4
Mr. Nitin Jamdar with Mr. Haribhau Deshing for Respondent No. 5
In Writ Petition Nos. 2809 to 2820 of 2010:
Mr. M. Joshi for the Petitioners
Mr. V.S. Gokhale, A.G.P., for Respondent Nos. 1 and 2
Mr. Anup Nikam with Mr. Vaibhav Gaikwad for Respondent No. 3
Mr. Nitin Jamdar with Mr. Haribhau Deshing for Respondent No. 4
CORAM: A.M. KHANWILKAR AND
R.Y. GANOO, JJ DATE: DECEMBER 20 , 2011.
JUDGMENT (PER A.M. KHANWILKAR, J.):-
All these petitions are being disposed of by this common
judgment, as the issues raised therein are identical.
19 2327.10.doc
2. The challenge in these petitions under Article 226 of the
Constitution of India is primarily to the advertisement dated 10th
February, 2010 issued by the Maharashtra State Council of
Examination, inviting applications to fill in the post of Shikshan Sevaks
in Zilla Parishads, Municipal Corporation Education Boards (except
Mumbai), Municipal Councils, Cantonment Boards in the State of
Maharashtra by conducting Central Examination Test from amongst
the D.Ed. / D.T.Ed. As the advertisement was issued in the light of
Government Resolution dated 16th December, 2009, the petitioners
have prayed that the respondents be directed to amend / modify the
same, especially in respect of qualification of primary teachers, so as
to include the Arts Teachers Diploma ('A.T.D.', for the sake of
brevity) for appointment as Shikshan Sevaks. The petitioners are also
seeking direction against the respondents to provide for 10% quota /
workload of A.T.D. Teachers for appointment as Shikshan Sevaks in
academic year 2009-10 for primary schools as per the policy. The
petitioners have also sought direction against the respondents to
arrange for separate C.E.T. Examination for A.T.D. holders for
appointment as Shikshan Sevaks as per the syllabus of A.T.D. College
or, in the alternative, to direct the respondents to allow the petitioners
20 2327.10.doc
to appear for C.E.T. Examination, which was proposed to be conducted
pursuant to advertisement dated 10th February, 2010. These reliefs are
claimed in the first six matters, which are filed by common advocate.
3. The second set of petitions filed through another advocate
are for similar reliefs. In the second set of petitions, the petitioners
have challenged the Government Resolution dated 16th December,
2009, as also the advertisement dated 10th February, 2010 and the
prescribed proforma of application form, in respect of the selection
process, inviting applications for (primary) Shikshan Sevaks Pre-
recruitment Selection Examination, as the same is not in conformity
with the Revised Shikshan Sevaks Scheme, dated 27th February, 2003.
It is further prayed that direction be issued to the respondents to make
specific reference to A.T.D. (Arts Teachers Diploma) qualification in
the Revised Shikshan Sevaks Scheme dated 27th February, 2003, and
accordingly, in the advertisement inviting the forms and in the
prescribed proforma of application form, to enable the petitioners /
A.T.D. (Art Teachers Diploma) holders to apply as per advertisement.
The said petitioners have asked for further direction against the
respondents to allow the said petitioners to appear for examination in
respect of (Primary) Shikshan Sevaks Pre-recruitment Selection
21 2327.10.doc
Examination and to consider / recruit the A.T.D. (Arts Teachers
Diploma) holders on the post of Shikshan Sevaks in the primary schools
all over Maharashtra State, run by the Zilla Parishads, Nagar Palikas,
Nagar Parishads, Mahanagar Palikas, Cantonment Boards and
Government approved and granted schools, semi-granted schools and
non-granted (private) schools (primary schools), as the case may be.
4.
In the first set of petitions, the petitioners have asserted
that, though each of them have passed Arts Teachers Diploma (ATD),
which qualifies them to be appointed as Shikshan Sevaks, yet, they are
denied opportunity of even being considered on the ground that, as the
impugned advertisement dated 10th February, 2010, prescribes the
qualification of candidates as D.Ed. / D.T.Ed. only. In other words,
only candidates possessing that qualification could appear in the
Common Entrance Test for recruitment of Shikshan Sevaks for the
specified primary schools all over Maharashtra. The qualification
A.T.D. is conspicuously absent in the impugned advertisement, even
though as per the policy and the Rules, candidates possessing
qualification of A.T.D. are considered eligible to be appointed as
Shikshan Sevaks in primary schools - both aided and unaided. On this
assertion, they have challenged the impugned advertisement, which
22 2327.10.doc
enables only candidates possessing qualification D.Ed. / D.T.Ed. to
apply for the Common Entrance Test and exclude the petitioners and
similarly placed persons with qualification of A.T.D. According to
these petitioners, the State of Maharashtra has given approval for
nearly 246 A.T.D. Colleges. That presupposes that the students, who
would complete the A.T.D. Course from the said colleges, would get
opportunity of employment on the basis of A.T.D. qualification. These
petitioners are also relying on the Government Resolutions which
provide for qualification for recruitment as primary teachers. Reliance
is placed on the Government Resolution dated 5th July, 1971, which
was amended in the year 1973, making specific reference to A.T.D.
Teacher for appointment in primary school. The Government
Resolution dated 28th September, 1973 specifies that it is necessary to
have a teacher possessing A.T.D. qualification in the primary school.
These petitioners are also relying on the qualifications for the primary
teachers specified in Schedule 'B' of the Maharashtra Employees of
Private Schools (Conditions of Service) Rules, 1981 (hereinafter
referred to as "the Rules of 1981"). As per Rule 1(2) of Schedule 'B',
person possessing qualification of Arts Teachers Diploma is considered
as the trained teacher to be appointed in a primary school. These
petitioners have also referred to the inter-departmental
23 2327.10.doc
communications. Reliance is placed on letter dated 15th February, 1994
sent by the Director of Education (Primary), which recognises that
there is 10% workload for A.T.D. Teachers in any primary school run
by Zilla Parishad. It is stated that, as per the new syllabus, Arts is a
compulsory subject for first to seventh standards, and special teacher is
required for the same. There is full-time workload for Arts Teacher.
In the petitions, it is stated that, as per the prescribed syllabus, 60
periods will be available in a primary school and the minimum periods
for full workload of one teacher is only 32 periods. These petitioners
assert that the Government did not express any contrary view on this
subject, but, in practice, some of the schools were refusing to appoint
teacher with A.T.D. qualification. In this backdrop, the Education
Officer, Aurangabad, directed all Head Masters of aided and unaided
primary schools by letter dated 9th July, 1999 to abide by the
Government Policy and to appoint A.T.D. Teacher. These petitioners
are also relying on the communication issued by the Regional Deputy
Director of Aurangabad dated 8th August, 2000 addressed to the
Education Officer (Primary / Secondary), Marathwada Division,
Aurangabad, stating that it is essential to appoint Arts Teacher for 1st to
8th standards and the qualification of such teacher must be A.T.D.
24 2327.10.doc
5. These petitioners have then referred to the letter issued by
the Director of Arts dated 27th April, 2002 addressed to the Director of
Education, placing on record that some schools were not following the
policy and rules in respect of appointment of A.T.D. Teachers. By
this communication, it is noted that steps be taken to instruct all the
primary and secondary schools in the State to appoint Arts Teachers as
per the Government Policy.
6. These petitioners then relied on another communication
dated 18th September, 2002 issued by the Director of Education
(Primary) addressed to the Secretary, School Education Department,
Government of Maharashtra. Once again, it has been emphasised that,
as per the policy, the Arts Teacher to be appointed in the primary and
secondary schools should possess qualification of A.T.D. Reliance is
then placed on the communication sent by the Section Officer, School
Education Department, Government of Maharashtra, calling upon the
Director, Education (Primary) to clarify certain points raised in the
said communication. It predicates that, if A.T.D. Teacher is appointed
for standards 1 to 7 for Arts Subject, what would be the workload
available for such teacher in the school?; secondly, how the work of
one reduced D.Ed. Teacher can be distributed amongst the other D.Ed.
25 2327.10.doc
Teachers; and, thirdly, as per the syllabus of standard 1 to standard 7,
what is the workload for Arts Subject? These petitioners have then
relied on the report submitted by the Director of Education (Primary),
who strongly recommended appointment of separate Arts Teacher for
standards 1 to 7, as there would be total 59 periods workload for Arts
and Craft Teachers.
7.
These petitioners have then relied upon the order of
Division Bench of this Court in Writ Petition No. 2865 of 1999 in the
case of Ramesh Chandrakant Ware v. Head Master, Shri Sharada
Prathamik Vidyalay, dated 17th March, 2004. In that case, direction
was issued to the State Authorities to grant approval in favour of the
petitioner therein on the finding that qualification of Arts Teacher
Diploma possessed by the Arts Teacher is in compliance with the the
requirement of Rule 2 (1) (j) and 6 of the Rules of 1981. In that, the
said Rules provide for A.T.D. as one of the qualifications for
appointment as primary teacher. These petitioners have then relied on
the letter dated 29th June, 2004 sent by the Director of Arts to the
Secretary, School Education Department. In this communication, it is
strongly recommended that it is necessary to make appointment of
A.T.D. Teachers in primary schools compulsory. These petitioners
26 2327.10.doc
assert that all the respondents have admitted that there is sufficient
workload in the post of A.T.D. Teacher in primary school. In a
communication dated 1st September, 2005, the Education Officer
(Primary), Zilla Parishad, Aurangabad, has admitted that the
Department has granted 17 approvals for the appointment of A.T.D.
Teachers.
8.
These petitioners have then referred to communication
dated 22nd September, 2005 sent by the Director of Arts, wherein it is
admitted that A.T.D. and D.Ed. cannot be treated as equivalent.
Further, D.Ed. Teacher cannot teach the Arts Subject, whereas A.T.D.
Teacher can teach Arts Subject as well as Craft Subject. These
petitioners assert that, thus, A.T.D. qualified teachers are necessary for
the primary schools. Reliance is also placed on the Government
Resolution dated 1st June, 2006, which specifies that all primary schools
should implement and adopt the policy of the Government to teach as
per the new syllabus declared by the Government. It is then stated that
the Education Officer, Zilla Parishad, Osmanabad, in his letter dated 7th
August, 2006, has noted, on query made under the Rights to
Information Act, that 36 approvals for appointment of A.T.D. Teachers
have been granted.
27 2327.10.doc
9. These petitioners have also placed reliance on another
Division Bench decision of this Court in Writ Petition No. 759 of 2994
in the case of Ankush S/o. Pandurang Ambore & Ors. v. The State of
Maharashtra & Ors., decided on 29th September, 2006, rejecting the
stand taken by the State Authorities that it was not necessary to appoint
separate Arts Teachers in the primary schools, as Arts Subject can be
taught by the teachers possessing D.Ed. Qualification. The Court was
of the opinion that such a stand would act counter to the provisions of
the Rules of 1981. In that, Schedule 'B' of the Rules provides for
qualification for primary teachers. Clause 2 of the Schedule provides
for the qualification for making appointment of Special Teachers
(Drawing Teachers in Primary Schools) and lays down the qualification
of such teachers, i.e., who have passed H.S.C. Examination and
possess Arts Teachers Diploma or Drawing Teachers Certificate or
Drawing Masters Certificate. The said provision also prescribes the
qualification for appointment of Drawing Teachers in Secondary
Schools or that Drawing Teachers should possess Drawing Teachers
Certificate or Drawing Masters Certificate or Arts Master Teacher
Diploma or Arts Master Diploma. The Court went on to observe that
the directives contained in letter dated 13th October, 1998, on which,
28 2327.10.doc
reliance was placed by the respondents, were inapplicable and not
binding on the Zilla Parishads and other educational institutions while
making recruitment to the post of Arts Teachers. The Court also noted
that a teacher possessing D.Ed. Qualification cannot be treated on par
with Arts Teacher in primary school or the secondary school; and as
such, a teacher possessing D.Ed. or B.Ed. Qualification is not qualified
to teach Arts Subject in the schools.
10. These petitioners are then relying on the communication
dated 10th August, 2009 sent by the Under Secretary, School Education
and Sports Department, Government of Maharashtra, to the Director of
Education, Secondary and Higher Secondary / Primary, which
mentions that, in view of the decision of the Nagpur Bench of the
Bombay High Court, a meeting was convened on 13th August, 2009.
These petitioners have then relied on the Minutes of the Meeting dated
13th August, 2009. It is noted that a proposal be sent to appoint one
Arts Teacher in a primary school (standard 1 to standard 7) as per the
direction of the Nagpur Bench of the High Court. According to these
petitioners, in view of the consistent policy and the Rules of 1981, it
was imperative to consider the claim of A.T.D. Teachers. However,
when the advertisement was issued for filling in the post of Shikshan
29 2327.10.doc
Sevaks for the year 2008 in primary schools across the State of
Maharashtra, candidates with A.T.D. Qualification were left out. Even
in the academic year under consideration, the respondents decided to
fill in the post of Shikshan Sevaks in primary schools only from
amongst the D.Ed. / D.T.Ed. Candidates, as can be noticed from the
Government Resolution dated 16th December, 2009. The impugned
advertisement dated 10th February, 2010 is issued on the basis of the
said Government Resolution dated 16th December, 2009, leaving out
candidates possessing A.T.D. Qualification for being appointed as
Shikshan Sevaks in primary schools - both aided and unaided. For
that reason, these petitioners have filed group of Writ Petitions in this
Court for reliefs which have been adverted to in paragraphs 2 and 3
hereinabove.
11. The writ petitions have been resisted by the respondents
by filing affidavit, dated 15th April, 2010, of the Under Secretary to the
Government, School Education and Sports Department, Mantralaya.
According to the respondents, the affidavit clarifies that, although the
advertisement refers to the name of Cantonment Board, the chart of the
vacant posts, which are to be filled in pursuant to the said
advertisement, are confined only to Zilla Parishads, Municipal
30 2327.10.doc
Corporations and Municipal Councils. It is stated that there is no
demand for appointing primary Shikshan Sevaks in the schools run by
the Cantonment Boards. It is further stated that the Government has
issued circular dated 4th November, 2004. The said circular mentions
that the Course of Diploma in Education is revised, as a result of
which, D.Ed. Teachers are now clubbed with Arts Teachers for
training. For that reason, it is not necessary to appoint Arts Teachers in
the schools run by the Municipal Councils, Municipal Corporations and
Zilla Parishads. Hence, no Arts Teachers are being appointed in the
primary schools run by the local Authorities.
12. In the reply-affidavit, it is then stated that the Circular
dated 4th November, 2004 was inadvertently not brought to the notice
of the Court, which decided Writ Petition No. 759 of 2004 vide
judgment and order dated 29th September, 2006. Further, the fact that
the provisions of the Maharashtra Employees of Private Schools
(Conditions of Service) Regulations Act, 1977 and the Rules of 1981
have no application to the primary schools run by the local authorities,
i.e., Zilla Parishads, Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils, was
also not taken note of. The respondents have, thus, asserted that the
petitioners cannot claim that they are entitled to appear for the C.E.T.
31 2327.10.doc
Examination referred to in the impugned advertisement dated 10th
February, 2010. Thus, at their instance, the question of quashing and
setting aside the said advertisement, merely because it excludes A.T.D.
holders from appearing for the said examination does not arise. It is
stated that, pursuant to the impugned advertisement, 2,03,158
applications were received. The Government conducted examination
as per the impugned advertisement, and major part of exercise of
conducting Central Examination was already completed. The
Government, by the time the reply-affidavit was filed, had spent about
Rs. 2.5 crores for conducting the said examination. Accordingly, the
respondents pray for dismissal of the writ petitions.
13. In the second set of writ petitions, more or less, similar
material has been referred. It is asserted that, in view of the
Government policy, the candidates possessing qualification of A.T.D.
cannot be left out from the process of appointment to the post of
Shikshan Sevaks, as candidates possessing that qualification are eligible
to be appointed as Shikshan Sevaks in primary schools. According to
these petitioners, the action of excluding candidates possessing A.T.D.
Qualification from consideration is arbitrary approach of the
respondents and is in breach of the revised Shikshan Sevak Scheme of
32 2327.10.doc
27th February, 2003 issued by the State Government bearing No.
PRI-2002/(3395)PRASHI-1. These petitioners assert that the
Government Resolution dated 16th December, 2009 and the impugned
advertisement dated 10th February, 2010, as well as the prescribed
proforma of application form, in respect of selection process, governing
the applications in respect of (primary) Shikshan Sevaks Pre-
recruitment Selection Examination, are not in tune with the decision of
the Division Bench of this Court in Writ Petition No. 759 of 2994 in
the case of Ankush S/o. Pandurang Ambore (supra). The
Government Authorities have ignored its own Scheme, which was
bound to affect the development of the students at primary level
studying Arts Subject, and would seriously prejudice and injure the
interest of the petitioners and similarly situated A.T.D. holders who
completed their Arts Teachers Diploma, with a fond hope that they
would be assured employment on the basis of the said qualification.
These petitioners are seeking directions for enforcement of the said
scheme. These petitioners have additionally relied on the Government
Circular dated 15th February, 1994 and 8th August, 2000 in respect of
recruitment of A.T.D. holders in the primary schools. These
petitioners assert that Arts Teachers Diploma is recognised by the
Government and also by the State and is presently valid qualification
33 2327.10.doc
for according approval to the appointment as Shikshan Sevaks in a
primary school. However, the impugned Government Resolution dated
16th December, 2009 and the advertisement dated 10th February, 2010
only permit candidates possessing D.Ed. / D.T.Ed. Qualification to
participate in the selection process for appointment of Shikshan Sevaks.
According to these petitioners, as per clause 18 of the Government
Resolution dated 16th December, 2009 and clause 6 of the
advertisement dated 10th February, 2009, as also the prescribed printed
proforma of the application form, it is noticed that only D.Ed.
candidates can apply for selection to the post of Shikshan Sevaks and
the A.T.D. holders are deprived of applying and ultimately of being
selected / appointed on the post of Shikshan Sevaks. Broadly, on this
basis, these petitioners have asked for the reliefs as reproduced earlier.
14. These petitioners assert that, in Maharashtra State, there
are more than 80,000 primary schools and more than 30,000 A.T.D.
holders, who are presently unemployed. They further assert that, in
Maharashtra, there are about 14,000 Arts Colleges, where A.T.D.
Course is being imparted, and the Government of Maharashtra is
granting permission to open new Arts Colleges. The Government,
however, has failed to ensure that the interest of the students, who
34 2327.10.doc
would study the said course, is duly secured and sufficient job
opportunities are created for them. These petitioners have also relied
on the decision of the High Court in the case of Principal - Our Lady
of Salvation High School v. Rashmi Upadhyay & Ors. in Writ
Petition No. 8313 of 2008 decided on 19th December, 2008, wherein it
was held that the State Legislature amended the provisions of the Act
of 1977 so as to further Shikshan Sevak Scheme. These petitioners
have also asserted that the stand taken by the respondents in the
affidavit-in-reply runs counter to the provisions contained in the Rules
of 1981. These petitioners have, thus, assailed the action of the
respondents in keeping out candidates possessing A.T.D. Qualification,
who are otherwise eligible for being considered to be appointed as
Shikshan Sevaks in a primary school. That action is arbitrary and
affects the rights of the petitioners and similarly placed candidates for
being considered during the selection process.
15. After reply-affidavit was filed by the respondents, the
petitioners in second set of petitions have filed rejoinder-affidavit, more
or less, reiterating that it was not open to the Government to contend
contrary to the opinion expressed by this Court in Writ Petition No. 759
of 2004. According to these petitioners, the authorities cannot
35 2327.10.doc
completely exclude these petitioners and similarly placed candidates,
who possess A.T.D. Qualification, from being considered during the
selection process.
16. During the oral arguments, the counsel appearing for these
petitioners, more or less, reiterated and contended that, since these
petitioners and similarly placed persons were otherwise qualified to be
appointed on the post of Shikshan Sevaks, they could not have been
completely excluded from being considered. Besides, as per the policy,
10% workload is available for Arts Teachers in primary schools. For
that reason, it was imperative to appoint the candidates possessing
qualification of A.T.D., keeping in mind the observation of this Court
that D.T.Ed. Teachers were not competent to teach Arts Subject. That
decision having attained finality, it was not open for the respondents to
contend to the contrary. According to the learned counsel, the
Government decision, as per Government Resolution dated 16th
December, 2009, limiting the qualification of D.ED. / D.T.Ed. for
appointment as Shikshan Sevaks was completely in disregard of the
recognition of A.T.D. holders as eligible trained teachers. These
petitioners were, therefore, challenging the action of the Authorities of
36 2327.10.doc
having left out A.T.D. holders even from considering during the
selection process.
17. After having considered rival submissions, and going
through the pleadings and various documents pressed into service by
the respective parties, we would like to first examine the efficacy of the
provisions of the Act of 1977 or, for that matter, the Rules of 1981. In
our opinion, the said enactment and the rules framed thereunder will be
of no avail in the present case. In that, admittedly, we are concerned
with the challenge to the advertisement issued by the Maharashtra State
Council of Examination dated 10th February, 2010 inviting applications
to fill in the posts of Shikshan Sevaks in the State of Maharashtra in the
schools run by the local authorities, i.e., Zilla Parishads, Municipal
Corporations, Municipal Councils.
18. Indisputably, the Act of 1977 is intended to regulate the
recruitment and conditions of service of employees in certain "private
schools" in the State. That is spelt out from the Preamble of the Act
itself. The Act defines expression "private school". Section 2(20) of
the said Act provides that "private school" means a recognised school
established or administered by a Management other than the
37 2327.10.doc
Government or a local authority. Once this position is settled, it
necessarily follows that neither the provisions of the Act of 1977 nor
that of the Rules of 1981, which are framed under the Act of 1977, will
have any bearing for answering the matters in issue.
19. That would leave us with the various Circulars and
Government Resolutions relied by the parties. After going through the
said documents, we may agree with the petitioners to the limited extent
that, at least, the said Circulars and Resolutions can be relied upon by
these petitioners to contend that candidates possessing A.T.D.
qualification case be appointed as Shikshan Sevaks in primary schools
run by the private Managements as well as the local authorities.
Further, the teachers appointed with A.T.D. qualification are competent
to impart lessons in Arts Subject to the students from standard 1 to
standard 7 in primary and secondary schools. In the present case, we
are concerned with the vacancies in the posts of Shikshan Sevaks in
primary schools run by the local authorities, as is noted in the
impugned advertisement.
20. Thus, we may accept the case of the petitioners that the
candidates with qualification of A.T.D. are eligible for appointment to
38 2327.10.doc
the post of Shikshan Sevaks in a primary school run even by the local
authority. We may also accept the case of these petitioners that the
Arts Subject has 10% workload justifying appointment of a full-time
teacher for that subject in a primary school run even by the local
Authorities. However, it is not possible to accept the extreme stand of
the petitioners that the candidates with A.T.D. Qualification should be
equated with the candidates with D.Ed./D.T.Ed. Qualification. Further,
we have no reason to doubt the stand of the respondents that a
candidate with D.Ed. / D.T.Ed. is competent to teach Arts and Drawing
Subjects to the students in primary school run by the "local authority".
We say so, because it is indisputable that the curriculum for the
Diploma in Teachers Education is very exhaustive and also provides
for imparting training to the incumbent in Arts, Drawing and Craft
subjects, in addition to the other subjects. By no stretch of imagination,
however, a candidate with qualification of A.T.D. will be able to teach
any other subject, except Arts subject. Thus, the teachers with A.T.D.
qualification cannot be equated with the teachers with D.Ed./D.T.Ed.
In other words, if a teacher with qualification of D.Ed. / D.T.Ed. is
available, it may not be necessary to appoint separate Arts Teacher
with qualification of A.T.D. in a primary school run by the local
authority.
39 2327.10.doc
21. Indeed, the petitioners have placed reliance on the
decision of the Division Bench of this Court in the case of school run
by Zilla Parishad, Aurangabad, in Ankush Pandurang Ambore (supra),
wherein it is observed that a teacher possessing D.Ed. Qualification
cannot be treated on par with Arts Teacher employed either in primary
or secondary school;
ig and a teacher possessing D.Ed. or B.Ed.
Qualification cannot teach Arts Subject in the school. In the first place,
this observation may be useful if the appointment were to be made in a
"private school" governed by the provision of the Act of 1977 and
Rules of 1981 framed thereunder. For, the Court made those
observations essentially keeping in mind the provisions of the said Act
and the Rules, wherein it is provided that appointment can be made by
nomination from amongst the candidates having qualification for
making appointment of Special Teacher (Drawing Teacher in primary
school). It is provided therein that appointment can be made on the
post of Drawing Teacher, by nomination from amongst the candidates
who have passed H.S.C. Examination and possess Arts Teachers
Diploma or Drawing Teachers or Drawing Masters Certificate.
However, in view of our finding that the provisions of the said Act and
40 2327.10.doc
Rules have no application to the primary schools run by the "local
Authorities", the decision under consideration will be of no avail.
Moreover, in the present case, the appointments will be on the posts of
Shikshan Sevaks and not Special Teacher. As we are not concerned
with the appointment of Special Teachers in a "private school"; and
that the advertisement issued by the Maharashtra State Council of
Examination is specific to fill in the vacancies in the "post of Shikshan
Sevaks in primary schools run by the local authorities" across the State,
neither the provisions of the Act of 1977 nor the Rules of 1981 will
have any application to such appointment.
22. It is trite to note that there can be no right to employment
as such. The fallacy in the grievance of the petitioners, is that, since
Arts colleges are allowed to be opened and run in the State of
Maharashtra, it is obligatory on the part of the State to ensure that
sufficient employment opportunities are created for the students who
would pass out courses from such colleges. Further, the argument
clearly overlooks two basic aspects. Firstly, what is primarily
challenged in these writ petitions is the advertisement issued for
inviting applications from the interested candidates to participate in the
selection process (to be held by conducting C.E.T.) for the post of
41 2327.10.doc
Shikshan Sevaks; and not for the post of Special Teachers for Arts and
Drawing Subjects as such. Secondly, the petitioners cannot be heard to
compel the "local authorities" to appoint teachers who qualify only to
be appointed as Special Teachers for Drawing and Arts subjects, as
against the preference to appoint teachers possessing D.Ed. / D.T.Ed.
Qualification, who can teach all subjects, including Drawing and Arts.
23.
We are afraid, it is not open for us in these petitions which
are filed to challenge the appointment process of Shikshan Sevaks in
the schools run by the "local Authorities", to direct the respondents to
fill in the post of Special Teachers for Drawing and Arts subjects, even
though the petitioners may be justified in asserting that there are
vacancies in the posts of Special Teachers in the said schools. The
existence of vacancy in the posts of Special Teachers cannot be the
basis for the petitioners and similarly placed persons to assert that they
have a legal right to be appointed or, for that matter, compelling the
local authorities to appoint them against the posts for which the
impugned advertisement is issued or against the posts of Special
Teachers which has not been advertised. We fail to understand as to
how the petitioners can invoke the principle of legitimate expectation to
42 2327.10.doc
be appointed as teachers in the schools run by the local Authorities,
merely because they have acquired requisite qualification in that behalf.
24. In other words, we cannot but reject the claim of the
petitioners to issue direction against the local Authorities or, for that
matter, the State Government to set apart 10% of the posts from
amongst the advertised posts for appointing candidates possessing
A.T.D. qualification, who can impart lessons in Arts and Drawing
Subjects in primary schools. Indeed, if the local authorities intend to
appoint Special Teachers only for Arts or Drawing Subjects, it will be
open for them to invite applications from candidates possessing A.T.D.
Qualification. We may also observe that the fact that there is 10%
workload of Arts Subject in primary schools does not necessarily mean
that there is any legal obligation on the local Authorities to appoint
candidates possessing qualification of A.T.D. Since no statutory
provision or any Government decision having backing of law has been
brought to our notice, which obliges the local authorities to appoint
minimum quota of candidates with A.T.D. qualification as Special
Teachers for Drawing and Arts Subjects taught in the primary schools
run by them, there is nothing wrong if the local Authorities decide to
appoint candidates with D.Ed. / D.T.Ed. qualification, who, by their
43 2327.10.doc
nature of qualification, are otherwise entitled and duly qualified to
teach even Arts and Drawing Subjects to the students of primary
school. No legal provision has been brought to our notice as to why the
candidates having D.Ed. Qualification would not be competent to do so
in the primary schools run by the local authorities. Indeed, it is
possible to suggest that the scheme provided in the Rules of 1981,
which governs private schools, the same analogy can be applied to the
schools run by the local Authorities. That could be possible if these
petitioners were able to point out any legal provision applicable to the
schools run by the local Authorities, which makes it obligatory for the
local Authorities to appoint only candidates with A.T.D. qualification
as Special Teachers for Drawing and Arts Subjects. On this finding, it
may not be possible for us to countenance the relief claimed by these
petitioners that they be permitted to participate in the selection process
commenced pursuant to the impugned advertisement dated 10th
February, 2010, nor it is possible for us to accede to their request of
issuing any direction to the local authorities or the State Government to
set apart some vacancies for candidates possessing A.T.D.
Qualification or, for that matter, to direct the authorities to fill in some
of the posts or any additional post for Special Teachers for Arts and
Drawing Subjects in the primary schools run by the local authorities.
44 2327.10.doc
25. Indeed, if the local Authorities intend to set apart or fill up
future vacancies / posts of Special Teachers from amongst the
candidates possessing A.T.D. qualification only, they are free to do so,
subject, however, to adhering to the extant Regulations and norms
prescribing minimum qualification for such appointment. Suffice it to
observe that neither the impugned advertisement nor the Government
Resolution dated 16th December, 2009 can be found fault with. As of
now, the policy is that the appointment to the post of Shikshan Sevaks
in primary schools should be from amongst the candidates possessing
qualification of S.S.C. / H.S.C. / 12th standard and having passed D.Ed.
or equivalent qualification recognised by the Government. That policy
matter cannot be interfered with lightly. As observed earlier, the
candidates with D.Ed. qualification can teach all subjects to the
students of standards 1 to 4, including Arts and Drawing Subjects,
unlike the candidates with A.T.D. qualification, who can teach only
Drawing and Arts Subjects. In other words, the workload of Arts
Subject is shared by the candidates possessing D.Ed. qualification.
There is nothing in law, brought to our notice, which would prevent
the teachers with D.Ed. qualification to teach Drawing Subject to
45 2327.10.doc
students of primary classes. In absence thereof, no fault can be found
either with the Government Resolution dated 16th December, 2009 or
the impugned advertisement dated 10th February, 2010. As a matter of
fact, the competence of candidates possessing D.Ed. / D.T.Ed.
qualification to teach Arts and Drawing Subjects to primary school
students up to 4th Standard is to be judged on the basis of their syllabus
prescribed for the D.Ed. / D.T.Ed. courses. The State Authorities have
examined the matter on that basis, and taken conscious decision to fill
in the vacancies notified in the impugned advertisement by candidates
possessing D.Ed. / D.T.Ed. qualification. Taking any view of the
matter, the plea of discrimination of candidates with A.T.D.
qualification is untenable.
26. We may now turn to the decisions of this Court, on which,
reliance is placed by the petitioners. We have already dealt with the
decision in the case of Ankush Pandurang Ambore (supra). We may
now turn to the decision in the case of Ramesh Ware (supra). That
was a case where the petitioner had passed H.S.C., as also A.T.D., and
was qualified to be appointed as Arts Teacher. The limited point in
issue answered in that case is: Whether the petitioner could be treated
as Trained Teacher by virtue of the said qualification? In that case, the
46 2327.10.doc
petitioner was appointed in a "private, recognised and aided school".
The Court, naturally, relying on the provisions of the Act of 1977 and
the Rules of 1981, took the view that the petitioner was duly qualified
to fill the post of Arts / Drawing Teacher. That decision will be of no
avail and cannot be the basis to hold that the local authorities are
obliged to appoint candidates with A.T.D. qualification at least to the
extent of the workload of Arts and Drawing Subjects in its school.
27. Reliance is then placed on the decision in the case of
Principal - Our Lady of Salvation High School (supra). Once again,
this was a case in which the respondent therein was appointed as a
Shikshan Sevak by the petitioner's school, which was a private school.
The question was whether the respondent could be treated as an
employee within the meaning of Section 2(7) of the Act and, if so, the
only remedy available to the respondent was to file appeal under
Section 9 against the order of termination. We fail to understand as to
how this decision will be of any avail to the petitioners before us.
28. Reliance was then placed on the decision in Sanjay
Rakhamaji Jadhav & Ors. v. The State of Maharashtra & Ors. in
Writ Petition No. 1042 of 2002 dated 28th September, 2006. This was a
47 2327.10.doc
case where the petitioners were employees of schools run by private
management as Assistant Teachers (Special Teachers). The Court
opined that, in view of their A.T.D. Qualification, they cannot be
treated as untrained teachers. This decision is of no avail for the
reasons already noted earlier.
29. Reliance was also placed on the order dated 4th November,
1997 passed in Writ Petition No. 481 of 1994. Even this order is of no
avail to the petitioners, as it merely recommends to the State of
Maharashtra to consider the possibility of evolving some arrangement
to utilise the services of teachers like Craft or Drawing Teachers or any
other kind of technical teachers by taking their services on hourly basis
or by some other arrangement, so that the students may be benefited
and the teachers, who are unemployed, may also be benefited.
30. Reverting to the revised Shikshan Sevak Scheme of 2003,
the same provides for the educational qualification to be appointed as
Shikshan Sevaks. The requirement is that the candidate must possess
48 2327.10.doc
S.S.C. or H.S.C. or D.Ed. or Government-recognised teaching degree
in force. As stated earlier, no fault can be found with the Government
policy providing for such qualification for the post of Shikshan Sevaks.
Merely because there is sufficient workload of Arts and Drawing
Subjects, by itself, cannot be the basis to preclude the local authorities
to avail of the services of candidates possessing D.Ed. / D.T.Ed., who
are also competent to teach Arts and Drawing Subjects along with
other subjects in 1st to 4th standards, i.e., primary schools run by the
local authorities.
31. For all the above reasons, we find no merit in these
petitions. The same are dismissed with no order as to costs.
R.Y. GANOO, J. A.M. KHANWILKAR, J.
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