1

AFR
Reserved on 25.05.2015
Delivered on 18.08.2015
Court No. - 34
1)
Case :- WRIT - A No. - 57476 of 2013
Petitioner :- Shiv Kumar Pathak And 11 Others
Respondent :- State Of U.P. And 3 Others
Counsel for Petitioner :- Ashok Khare,Siddharth Khare
Counsel for Respondent :- C.S.C., A.K. Yadav
(2)
Case :- WRIT - A No. - 28003 of 2015
Petitioner :- Umesh Kumar Singh And 4 Others
Respondent :- State Of U.P. And 2 Others
Counsel for Petitioner :- Kshetresh Chandra Shukla
Counsel for Respondent :- C.S.C., A.K. Yadav
(3)
Case :- WRIT - A No. - 28977 of 2015
Petitioner :- Bhagwati Prasad
Respondent :- State Of U.P. And 4 Others
Counsel for Petitioner :- Kshetresh Chandra Shukla
Counsel for Respondent :- C.S.C., Shravan Kumar Pandey
(4)
Case :- WRIT - A No. - 58712 of 2013
Petitioner :- Jayant Kumar Singh And Anr.
Respondent :- State Of U.P.& 2 Ors.
Counsel for Petitioner :- Anil Kumar Aditya,Ajay Kumar Pandey
Counsel for Respondent :- C.S.C.,Deo Dayal
(5)
Case :- WRIT - A No. - 62241 of 2013
Petitioner :- Sabarjeet Verma And 3 Ors.
Respondent :- State Of U.P.& 2 Ors.
Counsel for Petitioner :- D.P.Singh,Vishnu Gupta
Counsel for Respondent :- C.S.C.,B.P.Singh
(6)
Case :- WRIT - A No. - 50787 of 2013
Petitioner :- Satya Prakash Singh And 4 Ors.
Respondent :- State Of U.P.& 3 Ors.
Counsel for Petitioner :- Shailesh Upadhyay,Radha Kant Ojha
Counsel for Respondent :- C.S.C.,Sayed Nadeem Ahmad
(7)
Case :- WRIT - A No. - 57236 of 2013
Petitioner :- Sankarshan Pandey
Respondent :- State Of U.P.& 3 Ors.
Counsel for Petitioner :- Avinash Chnadra Srivastav,Abhishek Srivastava
Counsel for Respondent :- C.S.C.,Sunil Kumar Singh
(8)
Case :- WRIT - A No. - 2999 of 2015
Petitioner :- Amit Kumar
Respondent :- State Of U.P. And 2 Ors.
Counsel for Petitioner :- Ashish Tripathi

Counsel for Respondent :- C.S.C.,A.K. Yadav

(9)
Case :- WRIT - A No. - 15541 of 2015
Petitioner :- Rohit Kumar And 4 Ors.
Respondent :- State Of U.P. And 3 Ors.
Counsel for Petitioner :- Ashish Kumar Singh
Counsel for Respondent :- C.S.C.,A.K. Yadav,Rashmi Tripathi
(10) Case :- WRIT - A No. - 628 of 2015
Petitioner :- Abhishek Kumar Mishra
Respondent :- State Of U.P. And 8 Ors
Counsel for Petitioner :- Siddharth Khare,Ashok Khare
Counsel for Respondent :- C.S.C.,C.K. Rai,K.K. Chand,Manu Singh
Hon'ble Sudhir Agarwal, J.
1.

Heard Sri Ashok Khare, and Sri Radha Kant Ojha, learned Senior

Advocates, appearing for petitioners, learned Standing Counsel for Staterespondents, Sri A.K. Yadav, Advocate, for Basic Shiksha Parishad; and, Sri
Anoop Trivedi, Sri Seemant Singh, Sri Abhishek Srivastava and Sri S.K.
Mishra, Advocates, who have appeared for interveners /selected candidates,
in bunch of these cases.
2.

Though all these writ petitions are connected and have been

nominated to this Bench by Honble the Chief Justice for adjudication, but
having heard learned counsels for parties, I find that these writ petitions need
be categorised in five groups, namely, Writ Petitions No. 57476 of 2013,
28003 of 2015 and 28977 of 2015 are placed in 'Group-A'; Writ Petitions No.
58712 of 2013, 62241 of 2013 and 50787 of 2013 are placed in 'Group-B';
Writ Petitions No. 57236 of 2013 and 2999 of 2015 in 'Group-C'; Writ
Petition No. 15541 of 2015 in 'Group-D'; and, Writ Petition No. 628 of 2015
in 'Group-E'. In this judgment, I shall deal with these matters groupwise.
Group-A:
3.

Writ Petition No. 57476 of 2013 (hereinafter referred to as First

Petition, Group-A) has been filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of
India by 12 petitioners seeking a writ of mandamus directing for preparation
of merit list for recruitment to the post of Assistant Teachers in Senior Basic
School/ Head Master in Junior Basic Schools, not only on the basis of
academic qualification, but also by giving weightage to the scores obtained
by candidates in 'Teachers Eligibility Test (hereinafter referred to as
TET).

4.

Sri Ashok Khare, learned Senior Advocate, contended that though in

the writ petition, as was drafted and filed, the petitioners have challenged
Notifications dated 30.08.2012 and 5.12.2012 (Annexures 1 and 3 to the writ
petition), i.e., U.P. Basic Education (Teachers) Service (Fifteenth
Amendment) Rules, 2012 (hereinafter referred to as Fifteenth Amendment
Rules, 2012) and U.P. Basic Education (Teachers) Service (Sixteenth
Amendment) Rules, 2012 (hereinafter referred to as Sixteenth Amendment
Rules, 2012), but he is not pressing the said relief in respect of Fifteenth
Amendment Rules, 2012 for the reason that the offending provision having
already been struck down, the Court has to consider only its consequential
effect and to see whether a provision, struck down by this Court being ultravires, can be allowed to operate pursuant to the aforesaid amending Rules,
and if not, then to the extent amending Rules refer to a provision which has
been declared ultra vires, the amending Rules to that extent are
otiose/redundant/inoperative and have to be ignored by authorities concerned
and that is how it is not necessary for petitioner to seek any relief for
declaring the amending Rule of Fifteenth Amendment Rules, 2012 ultra
vires. This Court has to declare only that part of Amending Rule, which
refers to a provision which has already been struck down by this Court,
inoperative and redundant, and respondents-authorities, would be required to
prepare merit list accordingly, i.e., by ignoring such provision. In the
alternative, he submitted that Rule 14 (3)(a) of Sixteenth Amendment Rules,
2012, being pari materia to Rule 14 (3) of Sixteenth Amendment Rules, 2012
suffers from the same vice and hence for the reasons given by Division
Bench in its judgment dated 20.11.2013 in Special Appeal (Defective) No.
237 of 2013 (Shiv Kumar Pathak and others Vs. State of U.P. and
others), it is also ultra vires and, hence, liable to be struck down.
5.

Writ petition no. 28003 of 2015 (hereinafter referred to as Second

Petition, Group-A) has been filed at the instance of five petitioners, namely,
Umesh Kumar Singh, Saroj Kumar Singh, Vimal Kumar Tiwari, Sanjay
Kumar Verma and Dhananjay Singh and therein also the relief sought is
similar to that as sought in writ petition no. 57476 of 2013.
6.

Writ Petition No. 28977 of 2015 (hereinafter referred to as Third

Petition, Group-A) is at the instance of sole petitioner, Bhagwati Prasad,

who has simply sought a mandamus commanding respondents to forthwith

issue letter of appointment to petitioner, appointing him to the post of
Assistant Teacher, Science/Maths in Senior Primary School in District
Auraiya on the basis of select list. His brief case is that he is a scheduled
caste candidate, possessing qualification of Bachelor in Science and Bachelor
of Education and has also passed U.P. Teachers Eligibility Test, 2011 (Upper
Primary Level) with 82 marks. Pursuant to Government Order dated
11.07.2013 issued for recruitment of 29334 Assistant Teachers in Senior
Primary Schools, he has been selected but his appointment has been deferred
due to some litigation pending before this Court, though he is entitled to
appointment.
7.

Sri R.K. Ojha, learned Senior Advocate, pointed out that in some of

these matters, question of validity of Rules is attracted and the cases in which
validity of Statute is involved, are within the determination of Bench
presided by Hon'ble the Chief Justice, and, therefore, this Court may not
have jurisdiction to hear those matters. However, this Court finds that all
these cases are cognizable by Single Judge and to this extent there is no
dispute between the parties. The cases in which validity of Statute is
involved, and cognizable by Division Bench, the same are within the
determination of Bench presided by Hon'ble the Chief Justice, but in respect
of matters cognizable by Single Judge, I do not find any such determination.
Moreover, all these cases have come up before this Court on the nomination
made by Hon'ble the Chief Justice and, therefore, in my view, this argument
has no substance.
8.

Learned counsels for parties proceeded to address the Court on merits

in all these matters with request that since huge number of appointments are
involved in these cases causing irreparable loss to eligible and selected
candidates, therefore, these matters may be decided at an early date. I
proceed accordingly.
9.

Some facts in brief, as borne out from record of First Petition,

necessary for adjudication of dispute are as under.

10.

Recruitment to the post of Assistant Teacher in Primary Schools

comprising of Junior Primary Schools (hereinafter referred to as Jr.P.S.)

and Senior Primary Schools (hereinafter referred to as Sr.P.S.) as also for

the post of Head Master in Jr.P.S., is governed by U.P. Basic Education

(Teachers) Service Rules, 1981 (hereinafter referred to as Rules, 1981).
Recruitment to the posts of Assistant Teacher in Jr.P.S. is open for direct
recruitment only. Rest of the cadres, namely, Assistant Teacher in Sr.P.S. and
Head Masters in Jr.P.S. and Head Masters in Sr.P.S. were all to be filled in by
way of promotion. The Assistant Teachers of Jr.P.S. were entitled to be
considered for promotion to the post of Assistant Teacher, Sr.P.S. and Head
Master of Jr.P.S. Those who were working in the cadre of Head Master,
Jr.P.S. or Assistant Teacher, Sr.P.S. were eligible to be considered for
promotion to the post of Head Master, Sr.P.S.
11.

Vide Fifteenth Amendment Rules, 2012, issued vide Notification

dated 30.8.2012, Rule 5 was substituted providing 50 per cent of posts of

Assistant Teachers, Sr.P.S. and Head Master of Jr.P.S. by promotion and 50
per cent by direct recruitment. No change was made in the process of
recruitment of Assistant Teachers of Jr.P.S. and Head Masters of Sr.P.S.
12.

As regard the procedure for preparing list for appointment to the post

of Assistant Teacher, Sr.P.S./ Head Master, Jr.P.S., Rule 14 (3) as stood till
Fifteenth Amendment Rules, 2012, provided for arrangement of names in
descending order on the basis of marks obtained in TET, conducted by
Government of Uttar Pradesh. However, the aforesaid Rule 14 (3) was
substituted by Fifteenth Amendment Rules, 2012, as follows:
(3) The names of candidates in the list prepared under subrule (2) shall then be arranged in such manner that the candidate
shall be arranged in accordance with the quality points specified in
the appendix. In the said rules the following appendix shall be
inserted at the end.
13.

At the end of Rules, Appendix was inserted which reads as under:

APPENDIX
[See rule 14(3)]
Quality points for selection of candidates

Name of Examination/Degree
High School
Intermediate
Graduation Degree

Quality Points
Percentage of marks
10
Percentage of marks x 2
10
Percentage of marks x 4
10

14.

Sixteenth Amendment Rules, 2012 sought to substitute Rule 14 in its

entirety. The substituted Rule 14 reads as under:

14(1)(a) Determination of vacancies and preparation of list
In respect of appointment, by direct recruitment to the post of Mistress
of Nursery Schools and Assistant Master or Assistant Mistress of
Junior Basic Schools under clause (a) of rule 5, the appointing
authority shall determine the number of vacancies as also the number
of vacancies to be reserved for candidates belonging to Scheduled
Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Backward Classes, and other categories
under rule 9 and at least two leading daily news papers having
adequate circulation in the State as well as in concerned district
inviting applications from candidates possessing prescribed training
qualification from the district concerned and teacher eligibility test
passed, conducted by the Government or by the Government of India.
14(1)(b). The Government may from time to time decide to appoint
candidates, who are graduates along with B.Ed./B.Ed.(Special
Education)/D.Ed. (Special Education) and who have also passed
teacher eligibility test conducted by the Government or by the
Government of India, as trainee teachers. These candidates after
appointment will have to undergo six months special training
programme in elementary education recognised by National Council
of Teacher Education (NCTE). The appointing authority shall
determine the number of vacancies as also the number of vacancies to
be reserved for candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled
Tribes, Backward Classes, and other categories under rule 9 and
advertisement would be issued in at least two leading daily news
papers having adequate circulation in the State as well as in
concerned district inviting applications from candidates who are
graduates along with B.Ed./B.Ed. (Special Education)/D.Ed. (Special
Education) and who have also passed teacher eligibility test
conducted by the Government or by the Government of India.
14 (1)(c). The trainee teachers, after obtaining the certificate of
successful completion of six months special training in elementary
education, shall be appointed as assistant teachers in junior basic

schools against substantive post in regular pay-scale. The appointing

authority will be duty bound to appoint the trainee teachers as
assistant teachers within one month of issue of certificate of
successful completion of said training.
(2) The appointing authority shall scrutinize the applications received
in pursuant of the advertisement under clause (a) or (b) of sub-rule
(1) of Rule 14 and prepare a list of such persons as appear to possess
the prescribed academic qualifications and be eligible for
appointment.
(3) (a). The names of candidates in the list prepared under sub-rule
(2) in accordance with clause (a) of sub-rule (1) of rule 14 shall then
be arranged in such manner that the candidates shall be arranged in
accordance with the quality points specified in the appendix-I.
Provided that if two or more candidates obtain equal marks,
the candidate senior in age shall be placed higher.
(b) The names of candidates in the list prepared under sub-rule (2) in
accordance with clause (b) of sub-rule (1) of rule 14 shall then been
arranged in such manner that the candidate shall be arranged in
accordance with the quality points specified in the appendix-II.
Provided that if two or more candidates obtain equal marks,
the candidate senior in age shall be placed higher.
(c) The names of candidates in the list prepared in accordance with
clause (c) of sub-rule (1) of rule 14 for appointment as assistant
teacher shall be same as the list prepared under clause (b) of sub-rule
(3) of rule 14 unless the candidate under the said list is unable to
successfully complete the six month special training course in
elementary education in his first attempt. If the candidate successfully
completes the six month special training in his second and final
attempt, the candidates name shall be placed under the names of all
those candidates who have completed the said six months special
training in their first attempt.
(4) No person shall be eligible for appointment unless his or her name
is included in the list prepared under sub-rule (2).
(5)The list prepared under sub-rule (2) and arranged in accordance

with clause (a) or (b) of sub-rule (3) of rule 14 shall be forwarded by

the appointing authority to the Selection Committee.
(emphasis added)
15.

The existing Appendix which came to be inserted vide Fifteenth

Amendment Rules, 2012 was specified as Appendix-I, and, vide newly added
Rule 14 (3) (b), another Appendix i.e. Appendix-II was inserted which reads
as under:
APPENDIX-II
[See rule 14(3)(b)]
Quality points for selection of candidates
Name of Examination/Degree
High School
Intermediate
Graduation Degree
Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.)/
B.Ed. (Speciation Education)/
D.Ed. (Special Education)
16.

Appendix-II,

Quality Points
Percentage of marks
10
Percentage of marks x 2
10
Percentage of marks x 4
10
Percentage of marks x 3
10

as inserted by Sixteenth Amendment Rules, 2012,

would apply to the vacancies which are notified to be filled in by candidates,

possessing qualifications mentioned in Rule 14 (1) (b), as inserted by
Sixteenth Amendment Rules, 2012, but if vacancies are notified with
reference to Rule 14 (1) (a) read with Sub-Rule 2 of Rule 14, then list has to
be prepared as per Rule 14 (3) (a) read with Appendix-I which means the
Appendix as inserted by Fifteenth Amendment Rules, 2012.
17.

By Government Order (hereinafter referred to as G.O.) dated

11.7.2013, State Government determined 29334 vacancies of Assistant

Teachers, i.e., 14667 Assistant Teachers (Maths) and 14667 Assistant
Teachers (Science) in Sr.P.S. to be filled in under 50 per cent direct
recruitment quota, in accordance with Rules, 1981, as amended from time to
time. The eligibility qualifications mentioned in para 2 (1) of the G.O.
11.7.2013 read as under:
^^1-

vkosnu gsrq ik=rk%&

d& 'kSf{kd vgZrk& mPp izkFkfed fo|ky;ksa esa xf.kr @ foKku fo"k; ds

lgk;d v/;kid in ij fu;qfDr gsrq ,sls vH;FkhZ ik= gksaxs tks Hkkjr esa fof/k }kjk
LFkkfir fo'ofo|ky; ls ch0,l0lh0 dh mikf/k ,oa nks o"khZ; ch0Vh0lh0] fof'k"V
ch0Vh0lh0 ,oa ,u0lh0Vh0bZ0 }kjk ekU;rk izkIr laLFkkvksa ls f'k{kk Lukrd
ch0,M0] ;k ch0,M0 fo'ks"k f'k{kk Hkkjrh; iquokZl ifj"kn vkj0lh0vkbZ0 }kjk
ekU;rk izkIr ikB~;dze mRrh.kZ gksaA lkFk gh mRrj izns'k vFkok Hkkjr ljdkj }kjk
d{kk 6&8 gs r q vk;ks f tr v/;kid ik=rk ijh{kk lQyrkiw o Zd mRrh.kZ
fd;s gks a A
[k& vk;q& mPp izkFkfed fo|ky; esa lgk;d v/;kid ds in ij lh/kh
HkrhZ ds fy, vH;FkhZ dh vk;q 01 tqykbZ] 2013 dks U;wure 21 o"kZ gksuh pkfg, vkSj
vf/kdre 35 o"kZ ls vf/kd ugha gksuh pkfg,A
ijUrq vuqlwfpr tkfr@ vuqlwfpr tutkfr @ vU; fiNM+k oxZ ds vH;fFkZ;ksa
ds ekeyksa esa mPprj vk;q lhek 05 o"kZ vf/kd gksxhA
ijUrq ,sls vH;FkhZ tks HkwriwoZ lSfud gSa muds fy, vk;q dh mPprj lhek esa
NwV ^^;fn lsuk ds fdlh HkwriwoZ lSfud }kjk lsuk esa dh x;h lsok dh lEiw.kZ vof/k
mldh okLrfod vk;q esa ls ?kVk nh tkrh gS] vkSj ;fn bl izdkj ?kVk;h x;h vk;q
fu/kkZfjr vf/kdre vk;q lhek ls 03 o"kZ ls vf/kd u gks rks ;g le>k tk;sxk fd og
,slh lsokvksa rFkk inksa ij HkrhZ dh vk;q ls lEcfU/kr 'krksZa dks iwjk djrk gSA^^ ysfdu
vH;FkhZ dh okLrfod vf/ko"kZrk vk;q 62 o"kZ ls vuf/kd gksuh pkfg,A
ijUrq ;g Hkh fd fodykax vH;fFkZ;ksa ds ekeysa esa mPprj vk;q lhek 10 o"kZ
vf/kd gksxh fdUrq fdlh Hkh n'kk esa fu;qfDr dh frfFk dks vH;FkhZ dh vk;q 50 o"kZ ls
vf/kd ugha gksxhA**

(emphasis added)

"1. Eligibility for applying(A) Educational qualification - For the appointment on the
post of Assistant Teacher of mathematics/science subject in upper
primary schools, those candidates shall be eligible who have B.Sc.
degree from a university established by law and have passed two-year
B.T.C., Special B.T.C., and B.Ed. from institutions recognised by the
NCTE (National Council of Teachers' Education) or B.Ed (Special
Education) course recognised by the Rehabilitation Council of India
(R.C.I.). Simultaneously, the candidate must have successfully
qualified in the Teachers' Eligibility Test for classes 6 to 8 organised
by the Government of U.P. or Government of India.
(B) Age - For the direct recruitment on the post of Assistant
Teacher in Upper Primary Schools, the candidate should be aged at
least 21 years and not more than 35 years on July 1, 2013 .
Provided that in case of the candidates belonging to Scheduled

10

Castes/Scheduled Tribes/Other Backward Classes, the upper age limit

shall be relaxed by 5 years.
Provided that as for relaxation in upper age limit for such
candidates who are ex-servicemen, if total period of service
rendered by any ex-servicemen is subtracted from his real age, and if
so subtracted age exceeds the upper age limit by not more than 03
years, then he shall be treated to fulfil the conditions related to the
age of recruitment for such services and posts but it should not
exceed the candidate's actual superannuation age (62 years).
Provided that in case of physically handicapped persons, the
upper age limit shall be 10 years more, but the age of candidate shall
not, in any case, be more than 50 years on the date of appointment
(English Translation by the Court)
18.

From perusal of above, it is clear that candidate possessing

qualification of B.Sc. degree and 2 years B.T.C., Special B.T.C. and B.Ed. or
B.Ed. (Special Education) from institutions, recognized by National Council
for Teachers Education or Bhartiya Punarvas Parishad, would be eligible to
appear in the aforesaid selection.
19.

Clause 9 of para 2 of G.O. Dated 11.7.2013 provides procedure for

selection and reads as under:

^^9& p;u izfdz;k&
d& vH;fFkZ;ksa ds p;u@ fu;qfDr v/;kid lsok fu;ekoyh 1981 v|ru ;Fkk
la'kksf/kr rFkk p;uksaijkUr v/;kid dh rSukrh v/;kid lsok fu;ekoyh 2008 v|
ru ;Fkk la'kksf/kr ds vuqlkj fd;k tk;sxkA p;u@ fu;q f Dr gs r q ofj"Brk
dze dk fu/kkZj.k v/;kid lsok fu;ekoyh ds ifjf'k"V&^d* es a fo|eku
iz f dz ; kuqlkj rS ; kj fd;k tk;s x kA
[k& mijksDrkuqlkj p;fur vH;fFkZ;ksa dh lwph ftyk csfld f'k{kk vf/kdkjh }kjk
fuxZr dj dkfUlfyax ds ek/;e ls muds 'kSf{kd vfHkys[kksa dh tkWap dj ewy vfHkys[kksa
dks tek djk fy;k tk;sxkA lgh ik;s x;s vH;fFkZ;ksa ds 'kSf{kd vfHkys[kksa dk lR;kiu
lEcfU/kr laLFkkvksa ls djk;k tk;sxkA
x& ,sls vgZ p;fur vH;fFkZ;ksa dk LokLFk ijh{k.k ftyk csfld f'k{kk vf/kdkjh }kjk
esfMdy cksMZ xfBr djkdj djk;k tkuk vfuok;Z gksxkA
?k& vfUre :i ls p;fur vH;fFkZ;ksa dks tuin ds ,sls fo|ky;ksa esa lgk;d v/;kid
mPp izkFkfed fo|ky; ds fu/kkZfjr osrueku esa ,d o"kZ ds ifjoh{kk dky ij fu;qDr
fd;k tk;sxk tgkWa xf.kr@ foKku ds f'k{kd dk in fjDr gksA**

11

(emphasis added)
9- Selection process A Selection/appointment of the candidates shall be undertaken
according to Adhyapak Sewa Niyamawali 1981 (Teachers' Services
Rules) (as amended & updated) and posting of the teachers after the
selection shall be carried out under the provisions of Adhyapak Sewa
Niyamawali 2008 (Teachers' Service Rules) (as amended & updated).
For selection/appointment, the order of seniority shall be determined
and prepared on the basis of the procedure specified in enclosure
-'ka' of Adhyapak Sewa Niyamawali (Teacher's Services Rules) .
B- After getting the list of the candidates selected as above issued
through the District Basic Siksha Adhikari and getting their original
educational records verified through counselling, the original records
shall be caused to be deposited. Educational records of the candidates
found correct shall be got verified by the concerned institutions.
C- It shall be mandatory for the District Basic Siksha Adhikari to go
for medical tests for such eligible selected candidates by constituting
a medical board.
D Finally selected candidates shall be appointed on one year of
probation in the pay-scale fixed for Assistant Teacher, Upper Primary
Schools, in those schools of the district where the post for
mathematics/science teacher is vacant.
(English Translation by the Court)
20.

The grievance of petitioners is that under the Appendix inserted by

two Amendment Rules of 2012, no provision giving any weightage in

recruitment process, to the scores in TET has been made. TET has been
considered only a qualifying examination conferring eligibility for
appointment to the post of Assistant Teacher, Sr.P.S. and Head Master, Jr.P.S.
but for the purpose of preparation of merit list, no weightage has been given
to scores of TET.
21.

It is said that a Full Bench of this Court in Shiv Kumar Sharma and

others Vs. State of U.P. and others 2013 (6) ADJ 310 held that guidelines
formed by NCTE providing weightage to TET have to be followed by State.
It is binding. Since no such weightage was given under Fifteenth and

12

Sixteenth Amendment Rules, 2012, the procedure prescribed in Appendix-I is

bad. Attention of this Court is also drawn to the judgment dated 20.11.2013
in Shiv Kumar Pathak and others Vs. State of U.P. and others (supra)
and other connected appeals, whereby Division Bench of this Court struck
down Rule 14 (3) of Fifteenth Amendment Rules, 2012 and consequently set
aside G.O. dated 31.8.2012 and the communication dated 31.8.2012.
22.

It is submitted that once Rule 14 (3) of Fifteenth Amendment Rules,

2012 has been struck down, it has taken away Appendix also, Sixteenth
Amendment Rules, 2012 insofar as it declares the existing appendix as
Appendix-1 and inserted Appendix-2 is clearly redundant since it seeks to
substitute a provision which is/was not existing in the Statue book, having
been declared ultra vires. Rule 14 (3) as inserted by Sixteenth Amendment
Rules, 2012 is inoperative and not possible to be implemented at all. In any
case, it also suffers from the same vice as held in Shiv Kumar Pathak
(Supra).
23.

Sri Khare contended that it is in this background of facts this Court

has to consider the consequence and effect of striking down of Rule 14 (3) of
Fifteenth Amendment Rules, 2012.
24.

Since entire argument is confined now with respect to the manner in

which list of candidates, who have applied, pursuant to an advertisement for

appointment to the post of Assistant Teacher, Sr.P.S., and, Head Master,
Jr.P.S. has to be prepared, scope of scrutiny by this Court is quite narrowed
down. I would prefer simultaneously to quote Rules 14 (2) and (3) as they
stood before Fifteenth Amendment Rules, 2012, substituted by Fifteenth
Amendment Rules, 2012 and further substituted by Sixteenth Amendment
Rules, 2012, which read as under:
Rules 14 (2) and (3) as
they
stood
before
Fifteenth Amendment
Rules, 2012
(2)
The
appointing
authority shall scrutinize
the applications received
in pursuance of the
advertisement
and
prepare a list of such
persons as appear to
possess the prescribed
academic qualifications

Rules 14 (2) and (3) Rules 14 (2) and (3)

substituted by Fifteenth substituted by Sixteenth
Amendment Rules, 2012 Amendment Rules, 2012
(2)
The
appointing
authority shall scrutinize
the applications received
in pursuance of the
advertisement and prepare
a list of such persons as
appear to possess the
prescribed
academic
qualifications and be

(2)
The
appointing
authority shall scrutinize
the applications received
in pursuance of the
advertisement
under
clause (a) or (b) of subrule (1) of rule 14 and
prepare a list of such
persons as appear to

13
and be eligible
appointment.

for eligible for appointment.

(3) The names of

candidates in the list
prepared under sub-rule
(2) shall then be arranged
in such manner that their
names shall be placed in
descending order on the
basis of the marks
obtained in Teacher
Eligibility
Test
conducted
by
the
Government of Uttar
Pradesh.
Provided that if two or
more candidates obtain
equal
marks,
the
candidate senior in age
shall be placed higher.

(3) The names of

candidates in the list
prepared under sub-rule
(2) shall then be arranged
in such manner that the
candidate
shall
be
arranged in accordance
with the quality points
specified
in
the
appendix. In the said
rules
the
following
appendix
shall
be
inserted at the end.
Provided that if two or
more candidates obtain
equal
marks,
the
candidate senior in age
shall be placed higher.

possess the prescribed

academic qualifications
and be eligible for
appointment.
(3)(a) The names of
candidates in the list
prepared under sub-rule
(2) in accordance with
clause (a) of sub-rule (1)
of rule 14 shall then be
arranged in such manner
that the candidate shall be
arranged in accordance
with the quality points
specified
in
the
appendix-I.
Provided that if two or
more candidates obtain
equal
marks,
the
candidate senior in age
shall be placed higher
(b) The names of
candidates in the list
prepared under sub-rule
(2) in accordance with
clause (b) of sub-rule (1)
of rule 14 shall then be
arranged
in
such
manner
that
the
candidate
shall
be
arranged in accordance
with the quality points
specified
in
the
appendix-II.
Provided that if two or
more candidates obtain
equal
marks,
the
candidate senior in age
shall be placed higher

(emphasis added to show changes made)

25.

Prior to Fifteenth Amendment Rules, 2012, Rule 14 (2) and (3)

required preparation of list by appointing authority of such persons as appear

to possess prescribed academic qualifications and eligible for appointment, in
descending order on the basis of marks obtained in TET, conducted by
Government of U.P. Where two or more candidates have obtained equal
marks, the candidate senior in age was to be placed higher.
26.

Fifteenth Amendment Rules, 2012 changed the criteria for preparation

of list. It than provided that names shall be arranged in order of quality point
marks prescribed in Appendix. The Appendix was inserted at the end of

14

Rules. The said Appendix provided quality point marks based on High
School, Intermediate and Graduation decree as also training including theory
and practical. There is no description of TET for the purpose of determining
quality point marks in the Appendix.
27.

Sixteenth Amendment Rules, 2012 though maintained the same

criteria, but has divided recruitment in clauses 14 (1)(a) and (1)(b).The

criteria for preparation of list in respect of vacancies under Rule 14 (1) (a)
has been given in Rule 14 (3)(a) and Appendix-1 under Sixteenth
Amendment Rules, 2012. The vacancies determined under Rule 14(1)(b)
have to be arranged as per the criteria provided in Rule 14(3)(b) read with
Appendix-II.
28.

The difference is that for Appendix-II, since eligible candidate also

possess qualification of B.Ed./B.Ed.(Special Education)/D.Ed. (Special

Education), therefore, for the purpose of quality point marks, the said
qualifications have been added in Appendix-II, otherwise, in substance, there
is no difference in Appendix-I and II.
29.

Interestingly, Sixteenth Amendment Rules, 2012 contains no

Appendix-I. Instead, it refers to existing Appendix in Rules, 1981 as

Appendix-I and inserted a new Appendix as Appendix-II. It is admitted by
learned Standing Counsel that under Rule 14(3)(a) of Sixteenth Amendment
Rules, 2012, what is talked of Appendix-I is nothing but the Appendix which
was inserted vide Rule 14(3) of Fifteenth Amendment Rules, 2012. Thus it is
not in dispute that what is talked of Appendix-I in Rule 14(3)(a) of Sixteen
Amendment Rules, 2012 is the same as is referred and inserted vide Rule
14(3) of Fifteenth Amendment Rules, 2012.
30.

Now what has come on record is that Rule 14(3) of Fifteenth

Amendment Rules, 2012 has been struck down in Shiv Kumar Pathak and
others Vs. State of U.P. and others (supra), deciding 29 appeals by a
common judgment dated 20.11.2013 by Division Bench consisting of
Hon'ble Ashok Bhushan and Hon'ble Vipin Sinha, JJ. The Division Bench
has struck down Rule 14(3) on the ground that it is arbitrary, unreasonable
and violative of Article 14 of the Constitution. The relevant discussion and
findings are as under:
The 15th amendment rules has been challenged on the

15

ground of it being arbitrary and unreasonable being violative of

Article 14 of the Constitution. The notification dated 23.8.2010 issued
under Section 23 (1) of the Act, 2009 being under a Parliamentary
enactment has to prevail over any rules made by the State under a
State Act. The Rules, 1981 right from 1993 contains an Appendix
which provides a formula for selecting a teacher. Appendix indicates
that selection was based only on the educational qualification of an
candidate including the training qualification. After the notification
dated 23.8.2010 and guidelines dated 11.2.2011 issued by the
National Council for Teacher Education, the State amended its Rules,
1981 by 12th amendment rules to bring it in conformity with the
above notification and guidelines. The 12th amendment rules was
perfectly in accordance with law and the challenge to the aforesaid
rules have also been repelled by this Court in two judgments of Seeta
Ram and Govind Kumar Dixit's case (supra). The decision of the
State Government not to give any weightage to the marks obtained
in the Teacher Eligibility Test Examination-2011 cannot be said to
be in conformity with the guidelines of the National Council for
Teacher Education referred to above and was clearly arbitrary. The
Full Bench of this Court in Shiv Kumar Sharma's case (supra) has
already held that the State Government cannot disregard the
guidelines of National Council For Teacher Education dated
11.2.2011. The 15th Amendment Rules is thus also contrary to law
declared by this Court. The Teacher Eligibility Test (Examination2011) which has been recognised as an essential qualification for the
teachers selection, hence without giving any weightage to the said
examination the State cannot proceed with the selection. As noted
above, the allegations made against few candidates of committing
irregularities in the Teacher Eligibility Test or involvement in criminal
offence cannot be a ground to deny benefit of Teacher Eligibility Test
to lacs and lacs of the candidates against whom there is neither any
allegation nor any charge. The State having not cancelled the
Teacher Eligibility Test-2011 and having allowed the Teacher
Eligibility Test to be utilised for qualification of candidates ought to

16

have given full effect to the result of the Teacher Eligibility Test
examination. The allegations of irregularities and involvement in
criminal offence by some candidates was fully neutralised by the
State's decision to debar any such candidates from the selection
against whom there are allegations of irregularities or involvement in
criminal offence. The High Powered Committee has further stated in
its report that an undertaking be taken on an affidavit from all the
candidates that in event anything adverse is found against them, their
selection shall be cancelled. The State having given effect to the
notification dated 23.8.2011 as well as the guidelines dated 11.2.2011
issued by the National Council for Teacher Education by amending its
rules by 12th amendment rules, which was in consonance with the
scheme under the Act, 2009, a Parliamentary enactment cannot be
allowed to go back and resort to its old criteria for selection which
was prevalent prior to the Act, 2009 and prior to the notification
dated 23.8.2010 and guidelines dated 11.2.2011. We are, thus of the
view that Rule 14(3) of the 15th amendment rules by which the
criteria for selection was changed has to be held to be arbitrary and
unreasonable and deserves to be struck down. .
In view of the foregoing discussions, we conclude that the
decision of the State Government to change the criteria of selection by
restoring the criteria of selection as prevalent prior to 12th
amendment rules was not in conformity with law. The 15th
amendment rules, in so far as Rule 14(3) as well as the Government
Order dated 31.8.2012 were also not sustainable.
(emphasis added)
31.

Having said so, Division Bench also set aside G.O. Dated 31.08.2012,

issued consequent to the aforesaid amendment, holding that advertisement

dated 30.11.2011 has become ineffective and stands cancelled. Thereafter the
Court granted relief in the following manner:
In the result all the Special Appeals are allowed to the
following extent:
1. The Government Order dated 26.7.2011 insofar as it directs for
restoration of criteria for selection as was prevalent prior to 12th

17

amendment rules is set-aside.

2.The U.P. Basic Education (Teachers) Service Amendment Rules,
2012 (15th Amendment Rules dated 31.8.2012) in so far as Rule 14
(3) is concerned is declared to be ultra-vires to Article 14 of the
Constitution and are struck down. Consequently, the Government
Order dated 31.8.2012 as well as the communication dated 31.8.2012
issued by the board of Basic Education are set-aside.
3. Respondents are directed to proceed and conclude the selection as
per the advertisement dated 30.11.2011 as modified on 20.12.2011 to
its logical end within the time allowed by the Central Government
vide its notification issued under Section 23 (2) of the Act, 2009.
4. The judgment of the learned Single Judge is modified to the above
extent.
32.

(emphasis added)

This Court has no manner of doubt, when Rule 14(3) as inserted by

Fifteenth Amendment Rules, 2012 has been struck down vide Courts
judgment dated 20.11.2013, it would result in making this provision, non-est.
By that time, G.O. dated 31.8.2012 providing for recruitment was already
issued. It has referred to Appendix-A i.e. Appendix-I as inserted in Rules,
1981. Once it is struck down, it disappears from its very inception. Therefore,
any preparation of list following Appendix-I of Rule 14 (3) as inserted by
Fifteenth Amendment Rules, 2012 would be clearly illegal and erroneous.
33.

The case set up by respondent-State is that this selection has been

finalized in accordance with Rules, 1981, as amended by Fifteenth

Amendment Rules, 2012 and Sixteenth Amendment Rules, 2012. Admittedly
they have followed Rule 14(3) and its Appendix, as substituted and inserted
by Fifteenth Amendment Rules, 2012, read with Sixteenth Amendment
Rules, 2012.
34.

Thus, the only question up for consideration is, whether respondents-

authorities are justified in preparing list of selected candidates in accordance

with Rule 14(3) read with its Appendix, as substituted by Fifteenth
Amendment Rules, 2012 read with Rule 14(3) of Sixteenth Amendment
Rules, 2012.
35.

Whenever a provision, whether principal or subordinate legislation, is

struck down, being ultra vires and/or violative of any provision of

18

Constitution, and, in particular, fundamental rights under Part-III of the

Constitution, in view of declaration contained in Article 13(2) of the
Constitution, such provision is void-ab-initio. It is like a stillborn provision
incapable of repeal or substitution of an existing provision.
36.

In N.P.V. Sundara Vs. State of Andhra Pradesh AIR 1958 SC 468

considering the doctrine of still-born piece of legislation a Constitution

Bench said:
"If a law is on a field not within the domain of the legislature, it is
absolutely null and void, and a subsequent cession of that field to the
legislature will not have the effect to breathing life into what was a
still-born piece of legislation and a fresh legislation on the subject
would be requisite. But if the law is in respect of a matter assigned to
the legislature but its provisions disregard constitutional prohibitions,
though the law would be unenforceable by reason of those
prohibitions, when once they are removed, the law will become
effective without re-enactment."
37.

In Sagir Ahmad Vs. The State of U.P. & Ors AIR 1954 SC 728 the

Court examined challenge to the Constitutional validity of U.P State

Transport Act, 1951 under which the State was enabled to run Stage Carriage
Service to the exclusion of others. In exercise of its power under the Act, the
State Government made a declaration extending the Act to a particular area
and frame a scheme for operation of stage carriage service on certain routes.
At the relevant time, State did not have the power to deny citizen of his right
to carry on transport service. However, after the Constitution (First)
Amendment Act of 1951, the State became entitled to carry on any trade or
business either by itself or through Corporation, owned or controlled by it, to
the exclusion of private citizens wholly or in part. One of the question raised
was whether Constitution (First) Amendment Act could be invoked to
validate an earlier legislation. The Court held that the Act was
unconstitutional at the time of enactment and therefore it was stillborn and
could not be vitalized by a subsequent amendment of the Constitution
removing constitutional objection and must be re-enacted. Hon'ble
Mukherjea, J. speaking for the Court referred to Prof. Cooley in his work on
"Constitutional Limitations" (Vol. I page 384) and said:

19

"a statute void for unconstitutionality is dead and cannot be vitalised

by a subsequent amendment of the Constitution removing the
constitutional objection but must be re-enacted".
38.

The Hon'ble Court further observed that it is of the view that this is a

sound law.
39.

This view was reiterated in Deep Chand Vs. The State of U.P. &

Ors. AIR 1958 SC 648 where the Court said that a plain reading of Article
13(2) indicates, without any reasonable doubt, that prohibition goes to the
root of the matter and limits State's power to make law; the law made in spite
of the prohibition is a still-born law.
40.

Again another Constitution bench in Mahendra Lal Jaini Vs. State

of U.P. AIR 1963 SC 1019 reiterated the above view in para 22 of the
report. It says,
"..it must be held that unlike a law covered by Art. 13(1) which was
valid when made, the law made in contravention of the prohibition
contained in Art. 13(2) is a still-born law either wholly or partially
depending upon the extent of the contravention. Such a law is dead
from the beginning and there can be no question of its revival under
the doctrine of eclipse."

(emphasis added)

41.

This view has been followed in Rakesh Vs. Dr. JT 2005 (12) SC 1.

42.

Once a Rule is struck down as arbitrary, unreasonable and violative of

Article 14, the effect is as if such a provision was never in effect, being
'stillborn'. Even if, in a given case, in subsequent amendment, there is a
reference of such provision which has been struck down, yet it cannot be
followed being non-est. The mere fact that before being struck down, it has
been referred to in a subsequent amendment, would make no difference.
43.

Respondents-authorities, in my view, therefore were not entitled to

prepare list of candidates selected for appointment in accordance with Rule

14(3) of Fifteenth Amendment Rules, 2012, read with Appendix which has
been referred to as Appendix-I in Sixteenth Amendment Rules, 2012, since
the Appendix which has been subsequently referred to as Appendix-I in
Sixteenth Amendment Rules, 2012, has rendered non-est. Rule 14(3) of
Fifteenth Amendment Rules, 2012 in its entirety having been struck down by
this Court as arbitrary and unreasonable, it disappears, as if, it never existed.

20

Hence list prepared by taking into account aforesaid Appendix is clearly

illegal.
44.

The next question, which is though necessary but incidental, and of

utmost importance arises whether Sub-rule (3) of Rule 14 as it stood before

Fifteenth Amendment Rules, 2012 would stand revived or after striking down
Rule 14(3) of Fifteenth Amendment Rules, 2012 it would result in a gap in
the Rules requiring an appropriate legislation so as to bring on the Statutebook, valid Rule 14 (3).
45.

In B.N. Tiwari Vs. Union of India and others AIR 1965 SC

question came up for consideration was, whether old Rule revives after
substituted Rule is struck down. The Central Services Rules of 1952
provided for carry forward rule whereby unfilled reserved vacancies of a
particular year could have been carried forward for one year. In 1955, the
said Rules of 1952 were amended by substitution and another Rules
providing that unfilled unreserved vacancies of a particular year can be
carried forward for two years was brought in. 1955 amendment of Rule was
declared ultra vires. The question was, whether this declaration would result
in revival of 1952 Rules. A Constitution Bench said that 1952 Rules having
already been repealed and substituted by 1955 Rules, after striking down of
1955 Rules, old Rule would not revive.
46.

In Firm A. T. B. Mehtab Majid and Co. v. State of Madras AIR

1963 SC 928 also the Court held, where an old Rule has been substituted by
a new Rule, it ceases to exist and would not get revive when the new Rule is
held invalid.
47.

In West U.P. Sugar Mills Association and others Vs. State of

Uttar Pradesh and others 2002 (2) SCC 645, following the authorities in
B.N. Tiwari (supra) and A. T. B. Mehtab Majid and Co. (supra) a threeJudge Bench also took the same view by showing its total agreement with the
statement of law declared in the aforesaid decisions. The Court also said, if
there would be still a modification in existing law and subsequent
modification is held to be void, it would mean as if earlier law has never
been modified or repealed and may continue to be in force but where the
earlier provision is repealed by substitution and another provision is brought
in, earlier provision will not revive when subsequent provision is struck

21

down. Para 15 of judgment in West U.P. Sugar Mills Association (supra)

reads as under:
15. It would have been a different case where a subsequent law
which modified the earlier law held to be void. In such a case, the
earlier law shall be deemed to have never been modified or repealed
and, therefore, continued to be in force. Where it is found that the
legislature lacked competence to enact a law, still amends the existing
law and subsequently it is found that the legislature or the authority
was denuded with the power to amend the existing law, in such a case
the old law would revive and continue. But it is not the case here. It is
not disputed that the State government under Section read with
Section of the Act, has power to frame rule prescribing the society
commission. The State government by substituting new Rule 49
never intended to keep alive the old rule. The totality of the
circumstances shows that the old rule was deleted and came to be
substituted by new Rule 49 and, therefore, we are of the view that
after new Rule 49 ceased to be operative, the old Rule 49 did not
revive.
48.

(emphasis added)

When a provision is substituted by replacing another provision,

substitution results in repeal of existing provision. Insertion of another

provision brings the effect of replacement to new provision. When the
Legislature substitute an existing provision by new one, it means it did not
intend to keep alive old rule. There is a distinctions between supercession
and substitution. Substitution has two steps. First the old rule is made
cease to exist, and next, the new rule is brought into existence in its place,
while supercession has single stroke of overriding the existing provision.
This distinction has been discussed by a three-Judge Bench in Koteswar
Vittal Kamath Vs. K. Rangappa Baliga & Co. 1969 (3) SCR 40 and
followed in Zile Singh Vs. State of Haryana 2004 (8) SCC 1.
49.

Therefore, Rule 14 (3) of Fifteenth Amendment Rules, 2012 having

been struck down will not revive the earlier provision and Rule 14 (3) (a) of
Sixteenth Amendment Rules, 2012 having referred to a provision, i.e.
Appendix, which has already been struck down, is inoperative and cannot be
acted upon.

22

50.

There is one more angle from which the matter can be examined. Rule

14 (3) of Fifteenth Amendment Rules, 2012 was already struck down by

Division Bench in Shiv Kumar Pathak and others Vs. State of U.P. and
others (supra). Rule 14(3)(a) of Sixteenth Amendment Rules, 2012 in all
respects is pari-materia to Rule 14 (3). Therefore, the reasons which impelled
this Court to declare Rule 14(3), Fifteenth Amendment Rules, 2012 ultra
vires equally apply to Rule 14(3) (a) and (b) of Sixteenth Amendment Rules,
2012 also. I have no hesitation in my mind that for the reasons contained in
Shiv Kumar Pathak and others Vs. State of U.P. and others (supra),
Rule 14 (3) of Sixteenth Amendment Rules, 2012 also cannot be sustained
and it is also arbitrary and ultra vires.
51.

In view of the above, Writ Petitions No. 57476 of 2013 and 28003 of

2015 are allowed partly. Respondents are directed to prepare the list of
candidates under Rule 14 of Rules, 1981 afresh, in accordance with law and
thereafter proceed to make appointment accordingly.
52.

Writ Petition No. 28977 of 2015 is disposed of with the direction that

in case petitioner's name finds place in the list now re-prepared by

respondents in the light of this judgment in First and Second Petition,
respondents shall proceed to make appointment of petitioner without any
further delay.
Group-B:
53.

Writ Petition No. 58712 of 2013 (hereinafter referred to as First

Petition, Group-B) is at the instance of two petitioners, namely, Jayant

Kumar Singh and Pramod Kumar, who have sought a writ of certiorari for
quashing Notification dated 29.08.2013 published in daily newspaper dated
30.08.2013 for appointment of 151 Assistant Teachers of Maths and 151
Assistant Teachers of Science in Sr.P.S. (i.e. the Junior High School) and to
declare the amendment made in Rule 5 providing 50 per cent recruitment by
promotion and 50 per cent by direct recruitment as ultra vires on the ground
that amendment is harsh, unjust and otherwise illegal being discriminatory.
54.

Writ Petition No. 62241 of 2013 (hereinafter referred to as Second

Petition, Group-B) has been filed by four petitioners, namely, Sabarjeet

Verma, Arun Kumar Singh, Manik Chandra Patel and Ram Ashraya Yadav,
seeking a writ of certiorari for quashing GO dated 11.07.2013 insofar as it

23

proceeds for recruitment of Assistant Teachers in Sr.P.S. by direct

recruitment. The basic contention is that under Rules, 1981, earlier,
recruitment on the aforesaid post of Assistant Teachers, Sr.P.S. was solely on
the basis of promotion but by means of amendment, now 50 per cent
vacancies have been made available for direct recruitment and only 50 per
cent are available for promotion. This reduction in number of vacancies
available for promotion is arbitrary and illegal. It is said that this amendment
made by Sixteenth Amendment Rules, 2012 is bad.
55.

Writ Petition No. 50787 of 2013 (hereinafter referred to as Third

Petition, Group-B) is at the instance of five petitioners, Satya Prakash

Singh, Sanjay Kumar Dwivedi, Gyan Prakash Yadav, Anil Kumar Singh and
Archana Kumari, who have challenged the advertisement dated 30.08.2013
published in daily newspaper Amar Ujala for making recruitment on the
post of Assistant Teacher, Sr.P.S. in Science Group by way of direct
recruitment. They have also assailed the GO dated 11.07.2013 as ultra vires
to Rule 5 of Rules, 1981 providing for direct recruitment on the aforesaid
post and they have sought a mandamus, commanding respondents to proceed
to make appointment only by promotion on the aforesaid posts.
56.

For the purpose of having brief facts, with the consent of learned

counsels for parties, I have taken Writ Petition No. 58712 of 2013 as leading
case. In this writ petition, two petitioners, namely, Jayant Kumar singh and
Pramod Kumar, both were appointed as Assistant Teacher in Jr.P.S. in 2006
and 30.12.2005 respectively. Under Rules, 1981, they were entitled to be
considered for promotion to the post of Assistant Teacher, Sr.P.S. or Head
Master, Jr.P.S after acquiring eligibility. District Basic Education Officer,
Chandauli determined 151 vacancies of Assistant Teachers in Sr.P.s. for
Science and 151 vacancies of Assistant Teachers in Sr.P.S. for Maths which
were to be filled in by promotion. He initiated selection process by issuing
Notification dated 13.8.2013 published in Daily News Paper Dainik
Jagran. All eligible and qualified candidates were to attend counseling at
District Institute of Education and Training (DIET), Chandauli on 16.8.2003.
When they reached the venue, it was informed that counseling has been
cancelled and next date shall be informed but none was informed. Instead,
another Notification dated 29.8.2013 was published for recruitment of 151

24

Assistant Teachers (Science) and 151 Assistant Teachers (Maths) in Jr.P.S. by

direct recruitment. The aforesaid advertisement/Notification dated 29.8.2013
published in Daily Newspaper Dainik Jagran on 30.8.2013 has been issued
pursuant to GO dated 11.7.2013 whereby Rules 5 and 8 of Rules, 1981 have
been amended, providing 50 per cent posts to be filled in by promotion and
50 per cent by direct recruitment, though earlier all these posts of Assistant
Teachers, Sr.P.S. were available for promotion only. Consequently, it is
contended that this amendment in the Rules is arbitrary and violative of
Articles 14 and 16.
57.

It is, however, not disputed that Rule 5 was amended vide Notification

dated 30.8.2012 and when advertisement dated 13.8.2013 was issued, this
amendment of Rule 5 was not noticed. In fact, in ignorance of amendment of
Rule 5, the authority issued notice of vacancies to be filled in by promotion,
but did not proceed when this omission came to their knowledge.
58.

Basic contention of learned counsel appearing in these three writ

petitions (Group-B) is that alteration in the source of recruitment and to the

extent recruitment is to be made from particular source is illegal and arbitrary
inasmuch petitioners on the date of appointment in feeder cadre, i.e.,
Assistant Teacher, Jr.P.S. had a right to be considered for promotion to all the
posts of Assistant Teachers available in various Sr.P.S. by way of promotion
and that right stood vested in them which cannot be divested by reducing the
number of vacancies of Assistant Teacher, Sr.P.S. available to Teachers in
feeder cadre. Now it has been reduced from 100 per cent to 50 per cent.
59.

In view of the above, the question, which has to be considered, is

whether an employee has a vested right in respect of quota determined for

promotion in the higher post; and, whether the rule framing authority
cannot change the extent and strength of promotion quota by exercising
power of amendment of Rules.
60.

A perusal of Rules, 1981 as amended vide Fifteenth Amendment

Rules, 2012 makes it clear that Rule 5 has now been substituted by another
Rule 5 and it reads as under:
5- Sources of recruitment- The mode
of recruitment to the various
categories of posts mentioned below
shall be as follows:

5- Sources of recruitment- The mode

of recruitment to the various
categories of posts mentioned below
shall be as follows:

25
(a) (i) Mistresses By
Direct (a) (i) Mistresses
of
Nursery recruitment
as of
Nursery
Schools
provided in rules Schools
14 and 15
(ii)
Assistant
Masters
and
Assistant
Mistresses
of
Junior
Basic
Schools

-Ditto-

(ii)
Assistant
Masters
and
Assistant
Mistresses
of
Junior
Basic
Schools

By
Direct
recruitment
as
provided in rules
14 and 15
-Ditto-

(b)(i)
Head By promotion as (b)(i)
Head By promotion as
Mistresses
of provided in the Mistresses
of provided in the
Nursery Schools rule 18;
Nursery Schools rule 18;
(ii)
Head By promotion as
Masters
and provided in Rule
Head Mistresses 18;
of Junior Basic
Schools

(ii)
Head By promotion as
Masters
and provided in Rule
Head Mistresses 18;
of Junior Basic
Schools

(iii)
Assistant
Masters
of
Senior
Basic
Schools

-Ditto-

(iii)
Assistant
Masters
of
Science-Maths
for Senior Basic
Schools

50% by direct
recruitment and
50
%
by
promotion

(iv)
Assistant
Mistresses
of
Senior
Basic
Schools

-Ditto-

(iv)
Assistant
Mistresses
of
Science-Maths
for Senior Basic
Schools

-Ditto-

(v)
Assistant By promotion as
Masters of other provided in rule
than
Science- 18;
Maths for Senior
Basic Schools

(v)
Masters
Senior
Schools

(vi)
Assistant
Mistresses
of
other
than
Science-Maths
for Senior Basic
Schools

-Ditto-

Head
of
Basic

-Ditto-

(vii)
Masters
Senior
Schools

Head
of
Basic

-Ditto-

(vi)
Head
Mistresses
of
Senior
Basic
Schools

-Ditto-

(viii)
Head
Mistresses
of
Senior
Basic
Schools

-Ditto-

Provided
that
if
suitable Provided
that
if
suitable
candidates are not available for candidates are not available for
promotion to the posts mentioned promotion to the posts mentioned

26
at (iii) and (iv) above appointment
may
be
made
by
direct
recruitment in the manner laid
down in rule 15.

61.

at (v) and (vi) above appointment

may
be made by direct
recruitment in the manner laid
down in rule 15.

Whether this substitution and alteration in the source of recruitment is

permissible? Instead of 100 per cent promotion on the post of Assistant

Teacher, Sr.P.S. now 50 per cent shall be recruited by promotion and rest 50
per cent by direct recruitment whether it affects any vested right? In my view,
none of the fundamental rights have been infringed nor any vested right has
been divested.
62.

The contention pre-supposes that an employee has a vested right to be

governed by Rules as they stand on the date of his entry in service and rule
framing authority would have no power to make amendment in the Rules in
one or the other manner. Once the power of legislation is there, it can be
exercised from time to time which includes new legislation or replacement of
entire existing legislation by a new one. In the present case, Rule 5, as it
stood earlier, provided for only source of recruitment on the post of Assistant
Teacher, Sr.P.S. by promotion. Now the rule framing authority has made a
change that only 50 per cent shall be recruited by promotion and remaining
50 per cent by direct recruitment. An employee working in feeder cadre
wherefrom promotion is to be made on higher post, has no vested right in
respect to number of posts in higher cadre to be filled in from any particular
source of recruitment. The reason being that the right conferred by Article 16
is only a fundamental right of consideration for promotion and not chance of
promotion. Whenever, vacancy in higher cadre is available and under the
Rules is liable to be filled in by promotion, it shall be filled in accordingly,
but it cannot be said that rule framing authority cannot make any alteration
with respect to quota to be determined by Rules.
63.

In Dwarka Prasad and others Vs. Union of India and others 2003

(6) SCC 535, the Court said:

Articles 14 & 16 of the Constitution of India cannot be pressed
into service to describe the fixation of lower quota for POs as
discriminatory. It is well established in law that the right to be considered
for promotion on fair and equal basis without discrimination may be
claimed as a legal and a fundamental right under Article 14 & 16 of the

27
Constitution but chances of promotion as such cannot be claimed as of
right.

64.

(emphasis added)

In Reserve Bank of India Vs. N. C. Paliwal AIR 1976 SC 2345,

there was a integration of non clerical with clerical service. It was challenged
as infringing the principles of equality. Court held that it is entirely a matter
of State to decide to have the several different cadres or one integrated cadre
in its service. That is a matter of policy which does not attract the
applicability of equality clause.
65.

In State of Mysore Vs. G.B. Purohit 1967 SLR 753, the Court said

that though a right to be considered for promotion is a condition of service,

mere chances of promotion are not and that a rule which merely affects
chances of promotion cannot be regarded as varying a condition of service.
66.

In Mohammad Shujat Ali and others Vs. Union of India (UOI)

and others 1975 (3) SCC 76, a Constitution Bench said that mere chance of
promotion is not a condition of service.
67.

Here by altering the number of vacancies available for promotion by

making amendment in Rules, only chances of promotion have been affected

and not the right of promotion. Therefore, basic contention, in my view,
stands on a fallacy and has to be rejected outright. No authority has been
cited in favour of proposition that such alteration by amendment in Rules is
not possible.
68.

By amending Rules, the right to be considered for promotion to the

post of Assistant Teacher, Sr.P.S. has not been denied at all but what the Rule
provides is that availability of vacancies to higher post now stands reduced to
50 per cent, meaning thereby, it is the chance of promotion which has been
affected and not the right of promotion. Besides, it is not the case that the
Rule framing authority otherwise has any incompetency in framing the
Rules, therefore, by amending Rules and changing source of recruitment by
providing 50 per cent by direct recruitment and 50 per cent by promotion, in
my view, no invalidity has been brought in Rules and Rule 5 cannot be said
to be bad in law in any manner.
69.

All these writ petitions, therefore, have no substance and deserve to be

dismissed.
Group-C:

28

70.

The two writ petitions in Group-C, i.e., Writ Petitions No. 57236 of

2013 and 2999 of 2015 are founded on patently fallacious submissions.

71.

It is contended that in Sr.P.S., the post of Assistant Teacher should not

be advertised subjectwise. The submission is thoroughly misconceived. It

cannot be doubted that in Sr.P.Sc, specified subjects are taught to students.
The Teachers, who have no knowledge of Science or Maths cannot be
expected to teach students in the subjects of Maths and Science with
appropriate efficiency. Therefore, the contention that recruitment cannot be
made subjectwise is wholly misconceived. In Writ Petition No. 2999 of 2015,
an attempt has been made to read the words Subject Teachers as
constituting a single group irrespective of the subject. It is urged that it
should be treated in contradiction with 'Language Teachers'. Here also
purposive reasonable interpretation has to be given. The rule framing
authority has divided, broadly the category of Teachers as Language
Teachers, like, Hindi, Urdu, Sanskrit, English; and, for remaining subjects, it
has used the words Subject Teachers. This Court does not find any
justification to read that for all subjects other than languages, there is no
scope under Rules for making any distinction and even if the Teachers are
required for imparting education in Science and Maths, recruitment can be
made without specifying the aforesaid subjects and by recruiting persons
who have no knowledge, whatsoever, in Maths and Science and are not
competent at all to teach those subjects. These writ petitions, therefore, have
no merit and deserve to fail.
Group-D:
72.

The sole writ petition in Group-D is Writ Petition No. 15541 of 2015.

It has been filed by 5 petitioners, namely, Rohit Kumar, Arvind Kumar,

Mukesh Kumar Yadav, Buddhi Lal and Shailendra Kumar, seeking a
mandamus directing respondents not to allow counselling to such
professional

degree

holders,

who

are

not

eligible

as

per

advertisement/notification dated 23.8.2013, as clarified by Secretary, Basic

Education Board in its affidavit filed before Lucknow Bench of this Court in
Writ Petition No. 5348 of 2013 and to exclude such candidates from the zone
of consideration. It is suggested that the candidates possessing degree of
B.Sc. (Agriculture), B.Tech., B.C.A., B.B.A., BUMS, MHMUS and B.

29

Pharma are not eligible to apply for the post of Assistant Teacher in Sr.P.S.
since these are professional degrees and cannot be treated to be Science
graduation degree so as to make them eligible to participate in the aforesaid
selection. Names of some of candidates are given in para 24 of the writ
petition, though none of them has been made party in the writ petition.
73.

I find basic submission absolutely fallacious and misconceived.

Though degrees of B.Sc. (Agriculture), B.Tech., B.C.A., B.B.A., BUMS,

MHMUS and B. Pharma etc. provide education in certain fields making the
incumbents professional in a particular aspect, and, therefore, they are called
professional course, but it cannot be doubted at all that these all are
bachelor degrees and, therefore, those, who possess these qualifications, are
graduates in those disciplines. It, thus, cannot be said that when requirement
is graduation, professional courses can be excluded. It is nothing but reading
something which is not provided in the Rules, which, in my view, is neither
permissible nor there is any compulsion to do so. In view thereof, this writ
petition, in my view, lacks merits and deserves to be dismissed.
Group-E:
74.

Now coming to sole writ petition in Group-E, i.e., Writ Petition No.

628 of 2015, here the question of benefit of reservation has been raised. It is
said that those who have passed TET examination, taking advantage of
reservation with lower marks cannot be considered against vacancies
available for general category advertised for recruitment under Rules, 1981.
75.

In my view, the submission is thoroughly misconceived.

76.

TET examination is one of the qualifications. At the time of obtaining

qualification, if some concessions are provided to the candidates belong to

Other Backward Classes, Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes, etc. as are
permissible under Article 15 (3) and 16(3) (4) read with Article 14, it cannot
be said that those concessions will debar those candidates to participate in a
recruitment process against general vacancies. Earlier benefit was only in the
context of acquiring qualification, and rest is a matter of contest in
recruitment and appointment availing equal opportunity of employment or as
provided in the Rules for reserved category candidate. Recruitment
commences with advertisement. Before that, while acquiring any
qualification or eligibility test, if some concession have been availed by

30

reserved category candidates, that will not deprive them of opportunity to

contest for unreserved vacancies in the recruitment. The distinction in respect
of eligibility conditions, qualifications and the concessions available therefor
and the benefit of reservation in recruitment has been discussed in detail by a
Division Bench of this Court in Sanjeev Kumar Singh Vs. State of U.P.
and others 2007(2) ALJ 86 and appellate judgment of Apex Court in
Jitendra Kumar Singh and another vs. State of U.P. and others; (2010)
3 SCC 119.
77.

In view thereof, the mere fact that some of the candidates have passed

TET examination having benefit of reserved category candidates, cannot be

treated to be an identity of those candidates to deny them participation in
recruitment for the post of Assistant Teacher in question against general
vacancies since it is a different phenomena and procedure vis--vis the TET
examination. Holding of TET examination was not under Rules, 1981 while
recruitment under Rules, 1981 commences with the advertisement and,
therefore, it is different entirely.
78.

In view thereof, I find no merits in this writ petition also and it

deserves to be dismissed.
79.

However, before parting, this Court finds something necessary to be

said with respect to primary education in the State and shabby manner it is
being dealt with by the Department and Officers responsible therefor which
has resulted in multiple litigation also. It is a matter of common knowledge
that basic education in State of U.P. is being administered through the
Department of Basic Education, which is under the Secretary (Basic
Education) and is under a separate ministry. Annual budget allocation for
maintaining basic schools recognized by U.P. Board of Basic Education
(hereinafter referred to as Board) under the provisions of U.P. Basic
Education Act, 1972 (hereinafter referred to as Act, 1972) is one of the
highest budgetary allocations. The total number of Primary Schools, i.e.
Jr.P.S. and Sr.P.S. is around 1.4 lacs which are maintained by Board. The
number of teaching staff and Head Masters, therefore, also come to be in
lacs. Division Bench judgment in Shiv Kumar Pathak and others Vs.
State of U.P. and others (supra) has noticed that about 2.70 lacs posts of
Assistant Teachers in Primary Schools run by Board are lying vacant. That

31

was in November' 2013. The recruitment of thousands of posts at a time used

to commence but got trapped in huge litigation due to unmindful, irregular
and casual approach of the official(s) responsible for managing such
recruitment, lack of accountability and credibility as well as sincerity.
Unmindful and casual legislation by way of frequent amendment of Rules
has worsened the situation.
80.

Today, judicial cognizance can be taken of the fact that there are three

categories of Primary Schools running in the State of U.P., imparting

education to minor children of this State. One of such categories, which is
catering to the need of almost 90 per cent of the population of minor children
are run by Board and in the most shabby conditions.
81.

There are a very few number of Primary Schools run by elite and

highly privileged category of people which are branded public schools. Some
English/Convent Schools are run by Christian minority wherein children of
poor and lower-middle class have virtually negligible scope. This category of
Schools basically cater to the need of highly rich people, high class
Bureaucrats,

Ministers,

peoples'

representatives,

like,

Members

of

Parliament, Members of Legislative Assemblies and high-middle class

people. The wards of a limited class of elite society can get education therein.
Most of the people cannot meet even financial standards of fees. Admission
standards are very strict and mostly available due to high resources. These
Schools have best kind of infrastructures, tutorial staff and all other facilities.
These Schools can be termed as 'Elite Schools'.
82.

In the second category comes, those Primary Schools which are run

by normally some private bodies or individuals, catering to wards of lower

middle class. Though infrastructure in these Schools is not so sophisticated
and ultra modern as that of Elite Schools, still is much better and
comparatively even tutorial staff is sufficiently good. They may be termed
'Semi-Elite Schools'.
83.

However, in the third category comes almost all Primary Schools run

and managed by Board under its administration. These can be termed as

'Common-men's Schools'. They are the Schools, who cater to the entire
category of rural class, urban rural class and those who cannot afford
expenses of other two categories. The number of students therein constitute

32

almost 90 per cent population of minor children in the State. The real catch
lies here.
84.

The Constitution has now recognized primary education as a

fundamental right for children from 6 to 14 years of age, i.e., virtually upto
Class-VIII. In the name of discharge of this constitutional obligation, as
already said, more than 1.25 lac and odd Jr.P.S. and Sr.P.S. are being run by
Board of Basic Education, for which funds are provided by State. The
education in these Schools is supposed to be free, but that is how every thing
is free. Virtually a complete lack of infrastructure one can find in these
Schools. After more than 65 years of independence, these Schools are still
struggling to have basic amenities for children, coming thereat, like drinking
water, space for natural calls etc. Even classrooms are in extremely shabby
and bad conditions. At many places, classes are being run in open space. The
structure, if any, is in dilapidated condition. Though huge money is being
invested and spent every year in the name of welfare, of basic education to
the wards of poor people but actually nothing has improved. It is not difficult
to understand, why conditions of these Schools has not improved. The reason
is quite obvious and simple, though the State Government is not able to see.
There is no real involvement of administration with these Schools. Any
person who has some capacity and adequate finances, sends his
child/children in Elite and Semi-Elite Primary School. They do not even
think of sending their wards for primary education to Schools run and
managed by Board. Whether it is the District Collector or Police Chief in the
District or any other Government Servant, they ensure that their children
should get primary education in Primary Schools having better infrastructure
and other facilities which obviously belong to first and second categories of
Primary Schools, as noted above and completely exclude third category
Schools, i.e. Common-men's Schools. The public administration therefore
has no actual indulgence to see functioning and requirements of these
schools. These schools have become a mode of earning political mileage
instead of real catering to its need.
85.

The common men's schools cater the need of Primary Education to

only those poor people, whom Honble Mr. Justice Krishna Iyer once said,
tiny million Indians, who find it difficult to make arrangement for two

33

times of meals what to talk of other things. Whatever is made available by

system they have no choice but to avail it in conditions as and where it is.
The Government at the level of State and Central, both, are harping every
time and almost very frequently on the need of improved Primary School, but
their intention has not resulted in execution and reality at grass root level.
86.

The hard real fact is that these institutions, run by Board of Basic

Education, are victim of highest level of misappropriation, maladministration

and widespread corruption. Standard of teaching is the biggest casualty.
Nobody cares for making improvement in the standard of tutorial staff. A
competition is going on for political reasons to make lacs of vacancies
available in Primary Schools as a source to create committed voters by
appointing persons, if not illiterate, but not really competent to teach children
of Primary School. A competition is going on to somehow get such persons
appointed as teachers in these schools whom they would not like at all to
teach their own children. Initially, after making statutory rules under Act,
1972, in 1975, 1978 and 1981, the State tried to fill up the gap of teachers
vacancies by appointing much lesser qualified persons i.e. Shiksha Mitra,
Anganbari Karyakatri etc. A persistent effort is going on now to absorb these
persons as Teachers in Primary Schools run by the Board, if necessary, even
by frequent amendments in Rules, without caring but compromising with
standard. Is State not answerable to the people at large that competent
Teachers should be appointed in Primary Schools by those who are
administering institutions so as to make such institutions at par with those
where they like to have their wards taught. Since bureaucrats, politicians,
rich people and others, all have their alternative channel by having their
wards taught in Primary Schools falling in the category of Elite and SemiElite, nobody cares of the standard to be maintained in Primary Schools of
the Board.
87.

A competition is going on to bring standard of Common-men's

Schools down, as much as possible. In my view, now the time has come
where immediate attention need be drawn for improvement, not only of
infrastructure in these institutions but first of all in respect of teaching staff.
That is the basic purpose for which the entire system of Basic Education is,
consuming huge public money from public exchequer. The time has come

34

where State must make it compulsory to all those who gets salary, perks and
other benefits from State exchequer to have their wards sent to Primary
Schools maintained by Board which I have termed Common-men's Schools
and not to Schools which, come in the category 1 and 2, i.e., Elite and SemiElite and are privately managed. In case, any one flouts this condition, a
penal provision should also be made. It is only then the improvement of these
institutions will be ensured by those who are responsible for its management
in a proper way. It will also boost social equation. It will give an opportunity
to children of common men to interact and mix-up with children of so-called
high or semi high society, giving them a different kind of atmosphere,
confidence and other opportunities. This would give a boost and bring
revolution in changing Society from grass root level. The initial level mixing
among all children will have a different consequences.
88.

Moreover, when Officials/Government servants would be required to

send their wards for primary education in institutions maintained by the

Board, they would become serious enough to look into the requirements of
concerned Primary Schools and would ensure that same are made available
and Schools are run in good/best conditions and standard, else it may affect
their own wards.
89.

It is the lack of accountability and casual approach on the part of

officials of Basic Education Department that mindless, negligent, casual

amendments in Rules; defective Government Orders have been issued from
time to time creating cause for multifarious litigations resulting not only in
delay in appointment of Primary Teachers but also a very heavy pressure on
this Court also. Had a little care been there on the part of responsible Officers
in making legislation for making recruitment, huge litigation resulting in lacs
of vacancies in Primary Schools maintained by Board would not have
caused.
90.

Therefore, the Chief Secretary, U.P. Government is directed to take

appropriate action in the matter in consultation with other Officials,

responsible in this regard, to ensure that the children/wards of Government
servants, semi-Government servants, local bodies, representatives of people,
judiciary and all such persons who receive any perk, benefit or salary etc.
from State exchequer or public fund, send their child/children/wards who are

35

in age of receiving primary education, to Primary Schools run by Board. He

shall also ensure to make penal provisions for those who violate this
condition; for example, if a child is sent to a Primary School not maintained
by Board, the amount of fee etc. paid in such privately managed Primary
School, an equal amount shall be deposited in the Government funds, every
month, so long as such education in other kind of Primary School is
continued. This amount collected can be utilised for betterment of schools of
Board. Besides, such person, if in service, should also be made to suffer other
benefits like increment, promotional avenues for certain period, as the case
may be. This is only illustrative. The appropriate provisions can be made by
Government so as to ensure that ward(s)/child/children of persons, as
detailed above, are compelled necessarily to receive primary education in the
Primary Schools run by Board.
Result:
91.

In the result, subject to directions as contained above, Writ Petitions

No. 57476 of 2013 and 28003 of 2015 are partly allowed. Respondents shall
re-prepare the list of candidates under Rule 14 of Rules, 1981 in accordance
with law and in the light of observations made above and, thereafter proceed
to make appointment accordingly.
92.

Writ Petitions No. 58712 of 2013, 62241 of 2013, 50787 of 2013,

57236 of 2013, 2999 of 2015, 15541 of 2015 and 628 of 2015 are dismissed.
93.

Writ Petition No. 28977 of 2015 is disposed of with the direction that

in case petitioner's name finds mention in the list now prepared by

respondent in the light of this judgment passed in First and Second Petition,
Group-A, respondents shall proceed to make appointment of petitioner
without any further delay.
94.

With regard to directions contained in Para 90, effective steps shall be

taken by Chief Secretary within six months so as to make the aforesaid

directions effective from the next academic session of Primary Schools, and,
a compliance report shall be submitted to this Court by way of affidavit
immediately after expiry of period of six months.
Dt. 18.08.2015
PS