SUSAN JOSEPH Vs. DIRECTOR OF COLLEGIATE EDUCATION

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THE petitioner is presently working as Reader and Head of the Chemistry Department of St. Stephens College, Pathanapuram. She applied for leave without allowances for undergoing fellowship as per the scheme of post doctoral research and study in the University of Pretoria in South Africa for the period from 31.10.2006 to 19.7.2007. The leave was granted, which, according to the petitioner, was under Rule 91A of Part I of KSR. The University of Cambridge awarded Ph.D to the petitioner on 14.7.2007. After the period of leave, the petitioner rejoined duty. According to the petitioner, based on the petitioner's Ph.D degree, experience and expertise, the Mahatma Gandhi University has recognized the petitioner as a Research Guide in Chemistry. The petitioner, thereafter, applied for salary and allowances for the period of leave availed of her on the ground that the same is study leave for gaining knowledge and experience, which is useful to the students. But, by Ext.P7 order, the claim of the petitioner has been rejected. The petitioner seeks the following reliefs:

(2.) A counter affidavit has been filed on behalf of the 2nd respondent denying the claim of the petitioner.