K.M. ALIAR Vs. STATE OF KERALA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THE short, but interesting question that arises for decision in this case is whether a direction issued by the applicant to the teachers who are to attend a public function organized by the Sarva Siksha Abhiyan (SSA) to wear Kerala saree with green blouse is a misconduct for which he is amenable to disciplinary proceedings. The brief facts necessary for the disposal of the case are the following:

(2.) THE applicant is a Higher Secondary School Teacher (Arabic) working under the second respondent Director of Higher Secondary Education. By Annexure A1 order dated 20.10.2011 of the third respondent, State Project Director, SSA, Thiruvananthapuram, he was appointed as the District Programme Officer of Integrated Education for Disabled Children (IEDC) in the District Project Office of SSA, Ernakulam. While so, by Annexure A2 order, of the Government dated 29.3.2012, he was given full additional charge of the post of District Project Officer, SSA, Ernakulam.

(3.) THE said communication Annexure A7 created a hue and cry in the visual and print media of the State. Several public persons and organizations came down heavijy on the instruction to the lady teachers to wear green blouses to attend a function in which the Minister for Education, who belonged to the political party 'Muslim League ' was the main participant. The embarrassed Government disassociated itself with the said instruction of the applicant and issued Annexure A3 order dated 3.7.2012 reverting him to his parent department and placing him under suspension pending detailed enquiry. The said order was issued based on an enquiry report dated 2.7.2012 submitted by the Additional State Project Director of the State Project Office, SSA, Thiruvananthapuram. Pursuant to Annexure A3, the Additional State Project Director by Annexure A4 proceedings dated 3.7.2012 put the District Project Officer, SSA, Alappuzha in full additional charge of the District Project Officer, SSA, Ernakulam with effect from the forenoon of 3.7.2012