K P B AHAMMED KOYA Vs. SECRETARY

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Is the amendment of the Rules by which a Post - graduate Degree was prescribed as an essential qualification for promotion to the post of Headmaster, Senior Basic School arbitrary and illegal This question has been answered in the negative by the Central Administrative Tribunal. Aggrieved by the order, the petitioners have approached this Court through this petition under Art.226 of the Constitution. The relevant facts may be briefly noticed.

(2.) The 41 petitioners are trained graduates. They are working in different schools under the Lakshadweep Administration.

(3.) On January 25, 1996, the Administration made an amendment in the statutory rules governing promotion to the post of Headmaster etc. It was inter alia provided that a trained graduate with a Post - graduate qualification and five years regular service shall be eligible for promotion to the post of Headmaster. The petitioners represented. The claim having not been accepted, they approached the Central Administrative Tribunal. It was contended that the amendment of the rules was arbitrary and violative of Arts.14 and 16 of the Constitution.