ANJAN DEB Vs. STATE OF TRIPURA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Petitioners are ad-hoc teachers working in the Government schools in the State of Tripura. The selection of the petitioners and large number of several other teachers became the subject matter of a challenge before the High Court. The High Court in case of Sri Tanmoy Nath and others vrs. The State of Tripura and others in WP(C) No.51 of 2014 and other connected matters held that the entire selection process was vitiated. The proceedings were carried to Supreme Court. Supreme Court confirmed the decision of the High Court. However, it was felt that if such large numbers of teachers are abruptly terminated, the students in Government schools would suffer. The Government was, therefore, given liberty to continue the teachers for a particular period which has been extended from time to time.

(2.) In the meantime, the present petitioners desire to attend the D.El.Ed. Course offered by Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU, for short). The State of Tripura sponsored several in-service teachers for such purpose. The petitioners were not sent for such training on the ground that they are not in-service teachers. We are informed that this course would qualify a teacher to seek admission in B.Ed. Course.

(3.) The principal thrust of the petitioners' argument was that they are continued in service and, therefore, the Government is incorrect in holding that they are not in-service candidates. They also contended that the respondents No.5 to 8 are similarly situated as the petitioners despite which they have been sent for such training.