Citation : 2025 Latest Caselaw 5263 Ker
Judgement Date : 18 March, 2025
2025:KER:22737
W.P.(C). No.715 of 2021 and connected cases
:1:
IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM
PRESENT
THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE VIJU ABRAHAM
TUESDAY, THE 18TH DAY OF MARCH 2025 / 27TH PHALGUNA, 1946
WP(C) NO. 715 OF 2021
PETITIONER:
SUHASINI M.P
AGED 56 YEARS
W/O.S SIDHARAN C.K., HEADMISTRESS, THIRUVAL UP SCHOOL,
PANOOR, KANNUR DISTRICT-670 692
BY ADVS. R.K.MURALEEDHARAN
SMT.ATHIRA A.MENON
RESPONDENTS:
1 STATE OF KERALA
REPRESENTED BY SECRETARY TO GENERAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT,
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-695 001
2 THE ASSISTANT EDUCATIONAL OFFICER,
PANOOR, KANNUR DISTRICT,-670 692
3 THE MANAGER,
THIRUVAL UP SCHOOL PANOOR, KANNUR DISTRICT-670 692
4 HAJARA T..
TEACHER, THIRUVAL UP SCHOOL PANOOR,
KANNUR DISTRICT-670 692
BY ADVS. SRI.V.A.MUHAMMED
SRI.M.SAJJAD
OTHER PRESENT:
GP- NIMA JACOB
THIS WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) HAVING BEEN FINALLY HEARD ON
18.03.2025, ALONG WITH WP(C).1382/2021, 4149/2023 AND CONNECTED CASES,
THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:
2025:KER:22737
W.P.(C). No.715 of 2021 and connected cases
:2:
IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM
PRESENT
THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE VIJU ABRAHAM
TUESDAY, THE 18TH DAY OF MARCH 2025 / 27TH PHALGUNA, 1946
WP(C) NO. 1382 OF 2021
PETITIONER:
K.BHAGIANATHAN
AGED 44 YEARS
S/O.BALAKRISHNAN,HEADMASTER,MAM UP SCHOOL,PARAMBIL
KADAVU,P.O.PARAMBIL, KOZHIKODE DISTRICT-673012.
BY ADV R.K.MURALEEDHARAN
RESPONDENTS:
1 STATE OF KERALA
REPRESENTED BY SECRETARY TO GENERAL EDUCATION
DEPARTMENT,THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-695001.
2 THE ASSISTANT EDUCATIONAL OFFICER,
KUNNAMANGALAM,KUNNAMANGALAM.P.O, KOZHIKODE DISTRICT-
673571.
3 C.K.VALSARAJAN,
RET.TEACHER,MAM UP SCHOOL,RESIDING AT CHETTIANKANDI
HOUSE,KOKKALLUR.P.O, KOZHIKODE DISTRICT-673612.
BY ADVS.
SRI.V.A.MUHAMMED
SRI.M.SAJJAD
GP- NIMA JACOB
THIS WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) HAVING BEEN FINALLY HEARD ON
18.03.2025, ALONG WITH WP(C).715/2021 AND CONNECTED CASES, THE COURT
ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:
2025:KER:22737
W.P.(C). No.715 of 2021 and connected cases
:3:
IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM
PRESENT
THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE VIJU ABRAHAM
TUESDAY, THE 18TH DAY OF MARCH 2025 / 27TH PHALGUNA, 1946
WP(C) NO. 19770 OF 2021
PETITIONER:
LAILA.P.,
AGED 48 YEARS
W/O.HASHIM, HEADMISTRESS, BHOOMIVATHUKKAL MLP SCHOOL,
P.O.KODIYURA, KALLACHI VIA, KOZHIKODE DISTRICT-673 506.
BY ADV R.K.MURALEEDHARAN
RESPONDENTS:
1 STATE OF KERALA,
REPRESENTED BY SECRETARY TO GENERAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT,
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-695 001.
2 THE DISTRICT EDUCATIONAL OFFICER,
VATAKARA, KOZHIKODE DISTRICT-673 004.
3 THE ASSISTANT EDUCATIONAL OFFICER,
NADAPURAM, KOZHIKODE DISTRICT-673 504.
4 THE MANAGER, BHOOMIVATHUKKAL MLP SCHOOL,
P.O.KODIYURA, KALLACHI VIA, KOZHIKODE DISTRICT-673 506.
5 KUNHABDULLA.T.C.,
LPST. BHOOMIVATHUKKAL MLP SCHOOL, P.O.KODIYURA, KALLACHI
VIA, KOZHIKODE DISTRICT-673 506, RESIDING AT KARUVANKANDY,
P.O.KODIYURA, KOZHIKODE DISTRICT-673 506.
GP- NIMA JACOB
THIS WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) HAVING BEEN FINALLY HEARD ON
18.03.2025, ALONG WITH WP(C).715/2021 AND CONNECTED CASES, THE COURT
ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:
2025:KER:22737
W.P.(C). No.715 of 2021 and connected cases
:4:
IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM
PRESENT
THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE VIJU ABRAHAM
TUESDAY, THE 18TH DAY OF MARCH 2025 / 27TH PHALGUNA, 1946
WP(C) NO. 37377 OF 2022
PETITIONER:
PREMALATHA .K
AGED 55 YEARS
W/O.RAJAN, AGED 55 YEARS, MANATHANATH, P.O-VAKAYAD, (VIA)
NADAVANOOR_ KOZHIKODE DISTRICT, PIN-673614. PRESENTLY
WORKING AS U P S A VELLIYOOR AUP SCHOOL, NOCHAD, KOZHIKODE
DISTRICT.
BY ADVS.
K.RAKESH ROSHAN
THUSHARA.V
RESPONDENTS:
1 THE MANAGER,
VELLIYOOR AUP SCHOOL, NOCHAD, KOZHIKODE DISTRICT. PIN-
673614.
2 ASSISTANT EDUCATIONAL OFFICER,
ASSISTANT EDUCATION OFFICER, PERAMBRA, POST-PERAMBRA,
KOZHIKODE DISTRICT, PIN-673625.
3 THE DISTRICT EDUCATIONAL OFFICER
TAMARASSERY, P.O.THAMARASSERY, KOZHIKODE DISTRICT,
PIN 673573.
4 THE PRINCIPAL SECRETARY,
GENERAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT,
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-695001.
5 MRS. ANITHA.S.S,
LPSA, VELL♣YOOR A U P SCHOOL, NOCHAD, KOZHIKODE DISTRICT.
PIN673614.
GP- NIMA JACOB
BY ADV R.K.MURALEEDHARAN
THIS WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) HAVING BEEN FINALLY HEARD ON
18.03.2025, ALONG WITH WP(C).715/2021 AND CONNECTED CASES, THE COURT
ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:
2025:KER:22737
W.P.(C). No.715 of 2021 and connected cases
:5:
IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM
PRESENT
THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE VIJU ABRAHAM
TUESDAY, THE 18TH DAY OF MARCH 2025 / 27TH PHALGUNA, 1946
WP(C) NO. 39702 OF 2022
PETITIONER:
ANITHA S S.,
AGED 54 YEARS
W/O. SATHIYAN HEADMISTRESS (UN APPROVED) VELLIYUR AUP
SCHOOL, NOCHAD P.O, KOZHIKODE DISTRICT - 673513.
BY ADV R.K.MURALEEDHARAN
RESPONDENTS:
1 UNION OF INDIA,
REP. BY SECRETARY MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE, NEW DELHI-
110001.
2 STATE OF KERALA
REP. BY SECRETARY TO GENERAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, GOVT.
SECRETARIAT, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-695001.
3 THE DIRECTOR OF GENERAL EDUCATION,
DIRECTORATE OF GENERAL EDUCATION, JAGATHI,
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-695014.
4 THE DISTRICT EDUCATIONAL OFFICER,
OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT EDUCATIONAL OFFICER THAMARASSERY,
KOZHIKODE DISTRICT - 673573.
5 THE ASSISTANT EDUCATIONAL OFFICER,
OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT EDUCATIONAL OFFICER PERAMBRA,
KOZHIKODE DISTRICT - 673525.
6 PREMALATHA K.
UPST, VELLIYUR AUP SCHOOL, POST NOCHAD,
KOZHIKODE DISTRICT -673513.
2025:KER:22737
W.P.(C). No.715 of 2021 and connected cases
:6:
7 THE MANAGER,
VELLIYUR AUP SCHOOL, NOCHAD, KOZHIKODE DISTRICT -673513.
BY ADVS.
ADVOCATE GENERAL OFFICE KERALA
K.RAKESH ROSHAN
GP- NIMA JACOB
THIS WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) HAVING BEEN FINALLY HEARD ON
18.03.2025, ALONG WITH WP(C).715/2021 AND CONNECTED CASES, THE COURT
ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:
2025:KER:22737
W.P.(C). No.715 of 2021 and connected cases
:7:
VIJU ABRAHAM, J.
-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
W.P.(C) Nos. 715, 1382 & 19770 of 2021 and 37377 & 39702 of
2022
-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Dated this the 18th day of March, 2025
JUDGMENT
These writ petitions except W.P.(C)No.37377 of 2022 are
filed challenging the amendment made to Rule 18(1) of the
Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Rules,
2011 vide SRO No.18/2021 whereas W.P.(C) No.37377 of
2022 is filed seeking implementation of the said amendment.
2. Both sides submit that the issue is covered by the
judgment of this Court in Venugopalan H. & Others. v.
District Educational Officer, Palakkad & Others [2025
ICO 381] whereby the above said amendment was upheld,
but the retrospective nature of amendment was interfered
with.
Taking into consideration the declaration of law as stated
above, these writ petitions are disposed of. The above said 2025:KER:22737 W.P.(C). No.715 of 2021 and connected cases
judgment will govern these writ petitions also. Appropriate
further action shall be taken by the educational authorities in
the light of the declaration of law in Venugopalan H.'s case
cited (Supra).
Sd/-
VIJU ABRAHAM JUDGE sm/ 2025:KER:22737 W.P.(C). No.715 of 2021 and connected cases
APPENDIX OF WP(C) 715/2021
PETITIONER EXHIBITS
EXHIBIT P1 A TRUE COPY OF THE GO(MS) NO.27/2018/G.EDN DATED 06.O3.2018
EXHIBIT P2 A TRUE COPY OF THE CERTIFICATE OF PASS IN ACCOUNT TEST 9LOWER DATED 23.07.2013
EXHIBIT P2A A TRUE COPY OF THE CERTIFICATE OF PASS IN KERALA EDUCATION ACT AND RULES DATED 23.07.2013
EXHIBIT P3 A TRUE COPY OF THE GO()MS) NO.16/18/G.EDN DATED 19.02.2018
EXHIBIT P3A A TRUE COPY OF THE GO(P) NO.16/2018 /G.EDN DATED 09.07.2018
EXHIBIT P4 A TRUE COPY OF THE APPOINTMENT ORDER DATED 13.07.2018
EXHIBIT P5 A TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT IN WPC NO.24303/2018 DATED 21.12.2020
EXHIBIT P6 A TRUE COPY OF THE APPOINTMENT ORDER DATED 08.01.2021
EXHIBIT P7 A TRUE COPY OF THE COMMUNICATION ISSUED BY THE 3RD RESPONDENT TO 4TH RESPONDENT DATED 08.01.2021
EXHIBIT P8 A TRUE COPY OF THE SRO NO.989/20 DATED 23.12.2020
EXHIBIT P9 A TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER IN SLP(CIVIL) DIARY NO.12310/2020 DATED 17.06.2020 2025:KER:22737 W.P.(C). No.715 of 2021 and connected cases
EXHIBIT P10 A TRUE COPY OF THE GO(MS) NO.157/2015/G.EDN DATED 10.06.2015
EXHIBIT P11 A TRUE COPY OF THE GO(p) NO.1/2021/G.EDN DATED 5/1/2021 2025:KER:22737 W.P.(C). No.715 of 2021 and connected cases
APPENDIX OF WP(C) 19770/2021
PETITIONER EXHIBITS
Exhibit P1 A TRUE COPY OF THE GO(MS) NO.16/18/G.EDN.
DATED 19.02.2018.
Exhibit P1 A A TRUE COPY OF THE GO(P) NO.16/18/G.EDN DATED 09.07.2018.
Exhibit P1 B A TRUE COPY OF THE GO(MS) NO.27/2018/G.EDN DATED 06.03.2018.
Exhibit P2 TRUE COPY OF THE CERTIFICATE OF PASS IN ACCOUNT TEST (LOWER) DATED 04.01.2005.
Exhibit P2A A TRUE COPY OF PASS IN KE ACT AND RULES DATED 12.07.2019.
Exhibit P3 A TRUE COPY OF THE SENIORITY LIST AS ON JANUARY 2020.
Exhibit P4 A TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER DATED 12.10.2020.
Exhibit P5 A TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER DATED 17.09.2021 ISSUED BY THE 2ND RESPONDENT.
Exhibit P6 A TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER DATED 31.08.2021.
Exhibit P7 A TRUE COPY OF THE ERRATUM ORDER DATED 17.09.2021.
Exhibit P8 A TRUE COPY OF THE JOINING REPORT DATED 01.09.2021.
Exhibit P9 A TRUE COPY OF THE SRO NO.18/2021.
2025:KER:22737 W.P.(C). No.715 of 2021 and connected cases
Exhibit P10 A TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER IN SLP (CIVIL) DIARY NO.12310/2020 DATED 17.06.2020.
Exhibit P11 A TRUE COPY OF THE GO(MS) NO.157/2015/G.EDN. DATED 10.06.2015.
Exhibit P12 A TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER DATED 11.01.2021 IN WPC NO.715/2021.
2025:KER:22737 W.P.(C). No.715 of 2021 and connected cases
APPENDIX OF WP(C) 1382/2021
PETITIONER EXHIBITS
EXHIBIT P1 TRUE COPY OF THE GO(MS)NO.16/18/G.EDN DATED 19.02.2018
EXHIBIT P1(A) TRUE COPY OF THE GO(MS)NO.16/18/G.EDN DATED 09.07.2018
EXHIBIT P2 TRUE COPY OF THE QUALIFICATION CERTIFICATE OF THE PETITIONER IN ACCOUNT TEST(LOWER)DATED 14.02.04.
EXHIBIT P2(A) TRUE COPY OF THE QUALIFICATION CERTIFICATE OF THE PETITIONER IN ACCOUNT TEST(HIGHER)DATED 14.12.04
EXHIBIT P2(B) TRUE COPY OF THE QUALIFICATION CERTIFICATE OF THE PETITIONER IN KER TEST DATED 07.08.2015
EXHIBIT P3 A TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT IN WP(C)NO.12838/2019 DATED 10.06.2020
EXHIBIT P4 A TRUE COPY OF THE APPOINTMENT ORDER DATED 23.06.2020
EXHIBIT P5 A TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER OF THE 2ND RESPONDENT DATED 14.09.2020
EXHIBIT P6 A TRUE COPY OF THE GO(P)NO.19/2020/G.EDN DATED 23.12.2020
EXHIBIT P7 A TRUE COPY OF THE GO(P)NO.1/2021/G.EDN DATED 05.01.2021
EXHIBIT P8 A TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER IN SLP(CIVIL)DIARY NO.12310/2020 DATED 17.06.2020 2025:KER:22737 W.P.(C). No.715 of 2021 and connected cases
EXHIBIT P9 A TRUE COPY OF THE GO(MS)NO.157/2015/G.EDN DATED 10.06.2015
EXHIBIT P10 A TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT IN MOHAMMED HANEEFA VS.SOUDATH ASRAF REPORTED IN 2013Z93)KLT 370.
RESPONDENT EXHIBITS
Exhibit R3(a) TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT IN WA NO.
817/2020 DATED 21/01/2021
Exhibit R3(b) TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT IN WPC NO.
14971/2014 DATED 24/6/2014
Exhibit R3(c) TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT IN WA NO.
1900/2014/DATED 25/6/2015
Exhibit R3(d) TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT IN WA NO.
1097/2014 DATED 11/01/2016
Exhibit R3(e) TRUE COPY OF GO(MS) NO.16/18/G.EDN DATED 9/7/2018
Exhibit R3(g) TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER NO.85121/RULES/70/PD DATED 8/3/1971
Exhibit R3(h) TRUE COPY OF THE G.O(RT) NO.511/2020/G.EDN DATED 28/01/2020
Exhibit R3(i) TRUE COPY OF THE G.O(P) NO.19/2020/G.EDN DATED 23/12/2020
Exhibit R3(j) TRUE COPY OF THE G.O(P) NO. 1/2021/G.EDN DATED 5/01/2021
Exhibit R3(k) TRUE COPY OF THE NO.B3/263/2022/G.EDN DATED 10/11/2022 2025:KER:22737 W.P.(C). No.715 of 2021 and connected cases
Exhibit R3(l) TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER IN O.A NO.441/2021 DATED 8/4/2021
Exhibit R3(M) TRUE COPY OF THE G.O(RT) NO.6896/2022/G.EDN DATED 17/11/2022
Exhibit R3(N) TRUE COPY OF THE G.O(RT) NO.
534/2022/G.EDN DATED 25/01/2022 2025:KER:22737 W.P.(C). No.715 of 2021 and connected cases
APPENDIX OF WP(C) 37377/2022
PETITIONER EXHIBITS
Exhibit P1 TRUE COPY OF THE IDENTITY CARD OF THE PETITIONER.
Exhibit P2 TRUE COPY OF HALL TICKET ALONG WITH THE EXAMINAITON SCHEDULE FOR THE DEPARTMENT TEST CONDUCTED BY KERALA PSC, IN WHICH PETITIONER APPEARED.
Exhibit P3 TRUE COPY OF THE CERTIFICATE ISSUED BY TH KERALA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION FOR PASSING THE ACCOUNT TEST (LOWER)
Exhibit P3(A) TRUE COPY OF THE CERTIFICATE ISSUED BY TH KERALA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION FOR PASSING TH KERALA EDUCATIONAL ACT AND RULES TE EXAMINATION OF (DEPARTMENTAL TEST)
Exhibit P4 TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER DATED 1/11/2022 OF THE 2ND RESPONDENT.
Exhibit P5 TRUE COPY OF THE APPEAL FILED BEFORE THE RESPONDENT. DT 9-11-22
Exhibit P6 TRUE COPY OF THE LETTER OF 4TH RESPONDENT TO AB KUZHALMANNAM. DT 10 11-22 .
RESPONDENT EXHIBITS
Exhibit R5(a) A TRUE COPY OF THE APPOINTMENT ORDER DATED 01/06/2022 ISSUED BY THE 1ST RESPONDENT.
Exhibit R5(b) TRUE COPY OF THE TEST QUALIFICATION CERTIFICATE IN ACCOUNT TEST (LOWER) DATED 28/03/2018.
2025:KER:22737 W.P.(C). No.715 of 2021 and connected cases
Exhibit R5(c) TRUE COPY OF THE TEST QUALIFICATION CERTIFICATE IN KEALA EDUCATION ACT AND RULES DATED 28/03/2018.
Exhibit R5(d) A TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER NO.B/27471/2022 (1) OF THE 2ND RESPONDENT DATED 01/11/2022.
Exhibit R5(e) A TRUE COPY OF THE APPEAL FILED BY THE 1ST RESPONDENT BEFORE THE 3RD RESPONDENT DATED 11/11/2022.
PETITIONER EXHIBITS
Exhibit P7 TRUE COPY OF THE CIRCULAR WITH NO.
J1/01/21/G.EDN DATED 27.11.2022 OF 4TH RESPONDENT.
2025:KER:22737 W.P.(C). No.715 of 2021 and connected cases
APPENDIX OF WP(C) 39702/2022
PETITIONER EXHIBITS
Exhibit P1 A TRUE COPY OF THE GO(MS) NO.
27/2018/G.EDN ISSUED BY THE 2ND RESPONDENT DATED 06.03.2018.
Exhibit P2 TRUE COPY OF THE CERTIFICATE IN ACCOUNT TEST LOWER & HIGHER OF KERALA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION ON 28.03.2018.
Exhibit P2 A TRUE COPY OF THE CERTIFICATE IN KERALA EDUCATION ACT AND RULES OF KPSC DATED 28.03.2018.
Exhibit P3 A TRUE COPY OF THE APPOINTMENT ORDER IN FORM 27 OF THE PETITIONER DATED 01.06.2022.
Exhibit P4 TRUE COPY OF THE GO(MS) NO. 16/18/ G.EDN ISSUED BY THE 2ND RESPONDENT DATED 19.02.2018.
Exhibit P4 A TRUE COPY OF THE GO(MS) NO. 16/18/ G.EDN ISSUED BY THE 2ND RESPONDENT DATED 09.07.2018.
Exhibit P5 A TRUE COPY OF THE GO(P) NO. 1/2021/G.EDN ISSUED BY THE 2ND RESPONDENT DATED 05.01.2021.
Exhibit P6 A TRUE COPY OF THE CIRCULAR NO.
J1/19/21/G.EDN ISSUED BY THE 2ND RESPONDENT DATED 16.02.2021.
Exhibit P7 A TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER OF HON'BLE ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM IN OA NO. 441/2021 DATED 08.04.2021.
2025:KER:22737 W.P.(C). No.715 of 2021 and connected cases
Exhibit P8 A TRUE COPY OF THE GO(MS) NO. 157/2015/G. EDN ISSUED BY THE 2ND RESPONDENT DATED 10.06.2015.
Exhibit P9 A TRUE COPY OF THE CIRCULAR NO. J1/ 01/21 /G.EDN ISSUED BY THE 2ND RESPONDENT DATED 27.11.2022.
Exhibit P10 A TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER IN SLP NO.
12310/2020 DATED 17.06.2020.
Exhibit P11 A TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER NO.B2/4563/2022 ISSUED BY THE 4TH RESPONDENT
Publish Your Article
Campus Ambassador
Media Partner
Campus Buzz
LatestLaws.com presents: Lexidem Offline Internship Program, 2026
LatestLaws.com presents 'Lexidem Online Internship, 2026', Apply Now!