IQBAL SINGH Vs. STATE OF PUNJAB

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Petitioner impugns the order dated 10.12.2013 (Annexure P-20) passed by the Director of Public Instruction (Secondary Education) Punjab and whereby, his claim for appointment on the post of Art and Craft Teacher, has been declined. Directions are sought to the respondent-authorities to appoint him to the post in question.

(2.) Advertisement dated 10.12.2006 was issued by the Subordinate Services Selection Board for filling up various teaching posts under the Department of Education, State of Punjab including 500 posts of Art and Craft Teachers. 250 posts each were allotted to Male and female category candidates. 50 posts were reserved for Backward Class Category i.e. 25 having been reserved for Backward Class (Male) Category. Petitioner belongs to Backward Class (Male) Category. Having fulfilled the requisite qualifications and other conditions stipulated in the advertisement, he submitted his application for the post of Art and Craft Teacher in his category within the stipulated time frame. Being eligible, candidature of the petitioner was accepted. Petitioner has secured 137.15 marks in view of his basic and professional qualifications which was the criteria for assessing merit as per advertisement. Against the 25 posts, reserved for Backward Class (Male) Category, 24 posts have been filled up and one has remained vacant.

(3.) The precise case set up on behalf of the petitioner is that the last candidate in Backward Class (Male)Category who has been selected has secured 137.23 marks and the present petitioner is next in order of merit. Contention raised is that the petitioner having been considered eligible and one post of Art and Craft Teacher of his category i.e Backward Class (Male) Category having remained vacant, he being next in order of merit is vested with the right to be appointed on such post.