MADHURI DNYANESHWAR KHANDESHE Vs. STATE OF MAHARASHTRA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This Petition impugns an order dated September 2o, 2024 ('Impugned Order') passed by Respondent No.2, The Education Officer (Secondary), Zilla Parishad, Pune in connection with the seniority list published by Respondent No.4, Shikshan Prasarak Mandal ('Educational Institution') in its School, Respondent No.5, Vidya Vikas Mandir ('Secondary School'). For convenience, the Educational Institution and the Secondary School are collectively referred to as the 'Employer'.

(2.) The Impugned Order declares the Respondent No.3, Suresh Kashinath Jarkad ('Suresh') as being senior to the two Petitioners, Petitioner No.1, Madhuri Dnyaneshwar Khandeshe ('Madhuri') and Petitioner No.2, Ankush Maruti Taware ('Ankush'). Madhuri and Ankush, being aggrieved by Suresh being treated as senior to them in terms of the Maharashtra Employees of Private Schools (Conditions of Services) Rules, 1981 ('MEPS Rules') made under the Maharashtra Employees of Private Schools (Conditions of Services) Regulation Act, 1977 ('MEPS Act'), have sought quashing and setting aside the Impugned Order.

(3.) The factual matrix summarizing the credentials of each of the persons relevant for adjudication of this Petition is summarized in the following manner :-