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532 paragraphs · 11,558 wordsBriefly, the essential skeletal materials facts necessary for appreciation of the controversy raised are, that an advertisement number 01/2016, was
issued for appointment to the post of Teacher Grade-III on 6th July, 2016, for Rajasthan Primary and Upper Primary School Teachers Direct
Recruitment Examination, 2016, for Non-TSP area to fill up 6299 posts for Teacher Grade-III (Level-I) (Class I to V) and 6045 posts of Teacher
Grade-III (Level-II) (Classes VI to VIII), which was subjected to challenge.
The controversy was eventually resolved by the Division Bench of this Court vide adjudication dated 27th April, 2017, in a batch of intra-court appeals
lead case being D. B. Special Appeal Writ No. 1464/2016 (Sher Singh & Ors. Vs. Dinesh Singh & Ors.); leading to amendment vide notification
dated 29th August, 2017, in the Rajasthan Panchayati Raj Rules (Forth Amendment) Rules, 2017 of Rule 266(3) of Rajasthan Panchayati Raj Rules,
1996 (for short ‘Rules of 1996’), which provided for qualifications for post of Teacher Grade-III (Level-II) (Class VI to VII), of
‘Mathematics’ and ‘Science’, separately.
2. The State-respondents issued advertisement number 01/2017, inviting applications from eligible candidates. The minimum educational
qualifications as contemplated under Clause 6.1, of the advertisement for Teacher Grade-III (Level-II) for Class VI to VII, specifically contemplated
under Clause 6.1 B (ii) and (iii) that for the post of teacher of Mathematics, the candidates must have passed graduation or equivalent examination of
mathematics as an optional subject. Similarly, for the post of teacher of Science, the candidate must have passed graduation or equivalent
examination with at least one subject as an optional subject from Chemistry, Physics, Botany, Zoology, Micro-Biology, Bio-technology and Bio-
chemistry.
3. Referring to criteria for selection as contemplated under the advertisement under Clause 10(2) and 11; learned counsel for the petitioner would
submit that the State-respondents have not drawn the merit list of the participating candidates in accordance with amendment made vide notification
dated 29th August, 2017.
It is further pointed out that the State-respondents have proceeded contrary to the minimum qualifications as contemplated by Section 23(1) of The
Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 (for short, the Act of 2009) and Notification issued by the National Council for
Teacher Education (NCTE) dated 29th July, 2011, in exercise of powers conferred by Sub-section 1 of Section 23 of the Act of 2009.
4. Learned counsel for the petitioner has also referred to advertisement dated 13th July, 2016, issued by the Rajasthan Public Service Commission,
Ajmer, wherein separate vacancies were identified for the post of teachers of mathematics and teachers of Science, in consonance with the Act of
2009 so also the Notification dated 29th July, 2011, issued by the NCTE. Reference has also been made to the recruitment process of Navodaya
Vidyalaya Samiti of the year 2016, to the same effect.
5. Mr. Vigyan Shah, learned counsel for the petitioner relying upon the adjudication by the Division Bench of this Court in the case of Sher Singh &
Ors. (supra), which has also been followed by another Division Bench of this Court in D.B. Civil Writ Petition No.11012/2016; Ajay Singh and Ors.
Vs. State of Rajasthan, decided on 29th May, 2017, asserted that RTET/REET contemplates a bench mark which prospective teachers must achieve
before they can claim appointment to the respective post. Thus, a teacher seeking appointment in a particular subject must have knowledge of that
subject and training to teach that subject. Specific reference has been made to paragraph 15, 16, 20, 22, 34 and 35 of the adjudication in the case of
Sher Singh & Ors. (supra).
6. Reference has also been made to the text of amendment of Rule 266(3) vide Notification dated 29th August, 2017, which provides for
qualifications as laid down by NCTE under the provisions of Sub-section (1) of Section 23 of the Act of 2009 from time to time.
7. Learned counsel for the petitioner has also emphasized on the meaning and import of “Teaching Subject†as detailed out under the General
Guidelines for Pre-Teacher Education Test and Pre-B.A-B.Ed/B.Sc.-B.Ed/Test-2016.
8. Repelling the preliminary objections raised on behalf of the respondents, learned counsel for the petitioner argued that the Notification issued on
21st February, 2018, amending Rule 266(3) of the Rajasthan Panchayati Rules, 1996, contemplating qualifications for teacher of ‘Science and
Maths’ with optional subject from amongst Chemistry, Physics, Botany, Zoology, MicroBiology, Bio-technology and Bio-chemistry and
Mathematics; cannot be applied to the instant process of recruitment wherein the result was declared on 25th January, 2018, for the Notification
contemplates that it shall came into force with immediate effect i.e. 21st February, 2018. Therefore, it is not open for the Staterespondents to apply
the Notification with retrospective effect.
9. Learned counsel further submits that the adjudication by a Coordinate Bench of this Court at Principal Seat, Jodhpur, in the case of Rahul Kumar
Jain & Anr. Vs. State of Rajasthan & Ors.: SBCWP No. 16532/2017, decided on 5th March, 2018, which has been heavily relied upon by the
respondents, has no application to the facts of the case at hand so also in the face of adjudication by the Division Bench in the case of Sher Singh &
Ors. and Ajay Singh & Ors. (supra).
10. It is further pointed out that the reasons based on reasonings, recorded by the Division Bench while adjudicating upon the controversy in the
case of Sher Singh & Ors. (supra), have not been discussed, at all, in the case of Rahul Kumar Jain (supra). That apart the Notification dated 29th
July, 2011, issued by the Central Government in exercise of powers conferred by Sub-section (1) of Section 23 of the Act of 2009, being Central
Legislation would govern the field. Hence, amendment, to the contrary, by the State Legislation to that extent cannot be applied to the recruitment
process. In order to fortify his stand learned counsel has relied upon the opinion of the Apex Court of the land in the case of Gaurav Pradhan &
Ors. Vs. State of Rajasthan & Ors.: 2017 (4) SCT 89 (SC), and P. Mahendra & Ors. Vs. State of Karnataka & Ors.; and Matteesh Y Annigeri &
Ors. Vs. State of Karnataka and Ors.: (1990) 1 SCC 411.
11. Emphasizing the importance of well trained teachers for they are required to teach children of an impressionable age, contrary to norms
prescribed; learned counsel has relied upon the opinion of the Apex Court of the land in the case of L. Muthu Kumar & Another Vs. State of Tamil
Nadu & Ors.: (2000) 7 SCC 618 and Deepa Augustine Vs. Geetha Alex & Ors.:(2008) 16 SCC 526 (para 8).
12. Per contra; Mr. S. K. Gupta, AAG, reiterating the preliminary objections contended that the petitioner after having participated in the
recruitment process and realizing that he would not be able to make it to the merit list, has raised the issue for identification of post separately for
Science and Mathematics teachers.
13. According to Mr. S. K. Gupta, AAG, the petitioner has been declared eligible for consideration of his candidature in ‘Maths and Science’
as would be evident form the certificate issued in his favour in the Rajasthan Eligibility Examination for Teachers (REET), 2015.
14. Learned counsel further submits that recruitment on the post of teacher of ‘Science and Maths’ on the criteria as adopted by the State-
respondents, is in accordance as well as in consonance with the Notification dated 21st February, 2018. Further, recruitments have already been made
for TSP areas, on the same criteria, and therefore, it will not be justifiable to adopt a different criteria for appointment to the same post for Non-
TSP areas.
15. Referring to adjudication by a Co-ordinate Bench of this Court, at Principal Seat, Jodhpur, in the case of Rahul Kumar Jain (supra), learned
counsel pointed out that a challenge on identical grounds has already been declined; considering the opinion of the Division Bench in the case of Sher
Singh & Ors. (supra); hence, the instant writ application merits rejection on that count alone. Moreover, even if this Court is of the opinion that the
amendment vide Notification dated 21st February, 2018, of Rule 266(3) of the Rajasthan Pancayati Rules, 1996, cannot be applied; it may be made
applicable to future recruitment processes, without disturbing the ongoing recruitment process.
16. Heard the learned counsel for the parties and with their assistance perused the relevant materials available on record as well as gave my
thoughtful consideration to the rival submissions at Bar.
17. Indisputably, as a consequence of adjudication made by the Division Bench of this Court in the case of Sher Singh & Ors. (supra), the State-
respondents issued Notification dated 29th August, 2017, providing for educational qualifications for the post of Teacher Grade-III (Level-II) (Class
VI to VIII), for the teacher of “Mathematics†and teacher of “Scienceâ€, separately.
18. On 11th October, 2017, the instant writ application was registered and was to be listed for admission on 23rd October, 2017, before the
Court. Pending the writ proceedings, the Staterespondents issued impugned corrigendum on 30th October, 2017, to impugned advertisement dated
11th September, 2017, wherein applications were invited from eligible candidates for appointment to the Teacher Grade-III (Level-II) (Science and
Maths), and therefore, the petitioner sought amendment in the writ application, which has been allowed and response to the amended writ application
has also been filed by the respondents. Considering the urgency of the matter, the writ application was taken up for final disposal at this stage as
consented by the learned counsel for the parties.
19. Notification number 01/2017, dated 11th September, 2017, was issued inviting applications from eligible candidates in terms of Clause 6, 6.1,
which specifically contemplated that the candidate must have passed gradation or equivalent examination with at least one subject as an optional
subject in mathematics who desired consideration of his candidature for Teacher Grade-III (Level-II) (Mathematics); and one subject as an optional
subject from amongst Chemistry, Physics, Botany, Zoology, Micro-Biology, Bio-technology and Bio-chemistry, for appointment to the post of teacher
of ‘Science’.
20. A glance of reasons recorded by the Division Bench of this Court while adjudicating upon somewhat identical controversy in the case of Sher
Singh & Ors. (supra), would reflect the underlying object of appointment of teachers in a particular subject, which needs no reiteration for what has
been observed by the Division Bench in paragraph 15, 16, 20, 22, 23, 34 and 35, relying upon the opinion of the Supreme Court in the case of Mamata
Mohanty and Bhupendra Nath Tripathi and Ors., which reads thus:
“15. In the first batch of petitions, the petitioners were of two categories, one who possessed English as a subject at B.Ed. Level and has also
obtained for English as one of the language paper in REET-2015 but did not want those candidates to be considered for being considered for
appointment as Teachers in the subject of English who did not possess the subject of English either at level of the B.Ed. Examination or those who had
not opted English as subject in both papers i.e. language-1 and language-2.
The other batch of candidates are those who did not possess teaching subject of English in B.Ed. qualification nor had English in graduation but
had opted for English as a language in REET Examination. There is another batch of candidates who did not have B.Ed. with English but had English
in Graduation and also opted for English in REET Examination. Another batch of candidates are those who had B.Ed. With English as a teaching
subject and also Graduate with English as an optional subject but they did not opt for English as a language for REET-2015. All these sets of
candidates in the aforesaid appeals/petitions before us are claiming that they alone should be allowed to participate for selection excluding the others.
In the case of State of Orissa & anr. Vs. Mamata Mohanty: (2011) 3 SCC 436, it has been held by the Supreme Court as under:-
“29. Education is the systematic instruction, schooling or training given to the young persons in preparation for the work of life. It also connotes the
whole course of scholastic instruction which a person has received. Education connotes the process of training and developing the knowledge, skill,
mind and character of students by formal schooling. The excellence of instruction provided by an educational institution mainly depends directly on the
excellence of the teaching staff. Therefore, unless they themselves possess a good academic record/minimum qualifications prescribed as an eligibility,
it is beyond imagination of anyone that standard of education can be maintained/enhanced.
18….We have to be very strict in maintaining high academic standards and maintaining academic discipline and academic rigour if our country is to
progress"".
30….Democracy depends for its very life on a high standard of general, vocational and professional education. Dissemination of 'learning with
search for new knowledge with discipline all round must be maintained at all costs"".
33. In view of the above, it is evident that education isnecessary to develop the personality of a person as a whole and in totality as it provides the
process of training and acquiring the knowledge, skills, developing mind and character by formal schooling. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain a
high academic standard and academic discipline along with academic rigour for the progress of a nation. Democracy depends for its own survival on a
high standard of vocational and professional education. Paucity of funds cannot be a ground for the State not to provide quality education to its future
citizens. It is for this reason that in order to maintain the standard of education the State Government provides grant-in-aid to private schools to ensure
the smooth running of the institution so that the standard of teaching may not suffer for want of funds.
34. Article 21A has been added by amending our Constitution with a view to facilitate the children to get proper and good quality education.
However, the quality of education would depend on various factors but the most relevant of them is excellence of teaching staff. In view thereof,
quality of teaching staff cannot be compromised. The selection of the most suitable persons is essential in order to maintain excellence and the
standard of teaching in the institution. It is not permissible for the State that while controlling the education it may impinge the standard of education. It
is, in fact, for this reason that norms of admission in institutions have to be adhered to strictly. Admissions in mid academic sessions are not permitted
to maintain the excellence of education.
The rule of law inhibits arbitrary action and also makes it liable to be invalidated. Every action of the State or its instrumentalities should not only
be fair, legitimate and above-board but should be without any affection or aversion. It should neither be suggestive of discrimination nor even give an
impression of bias, favouritism and nepotism. Procedural fairness is an implied mandatory requirement to protect against arbitrary action where Statute
confers wide power coupled with wide discretion on an authority. If the procedure adopted by an authority offends the fundamental fairness or
established ethos or shocks the conscience, the order stands vitiated. The decision making process remains bad.â€
22. Right to Education Act was enacted with the solepurpose to provide uniform education to all the children upto the age of 14 years in the State.
The very purpose of incorporating an additional condition of passing TET to be conducted by the appropriate Government of the State, was to provide
a benchmark which the prospective Teachers must achieve before they can be appointed on their respective post. While such a benchmark is
necessitated for the purposes of uniformity and minimum standard of education in the State, the requirement of having B.Ed. or BSTC qualification
has not been done away with. For a Teacher to be appointed in a particular subject, he is expected to have knowledge of that subject and must have
studies it extensively so that he may be able to give back to the student what he has learnt. At the same time, he must also have knowledge and
training to teach that subject. Thus, the pedagogy i.e. an art or science of teaching education instructional methods have to be essentially engrained in
him before he embarks upon the noble profession of teaching.
23. The question, which arises for consideration of thisCourt, as noted above, is limited to as to how the merit is to be prepared. We find that as per
the advertisement, which requires a candidate to have a particular minimum educational qualification and also to have REET eligibility, has decided to
prepare merit only on the basis of the marks obtained in the REET which has resulted in causing ambiguity, confusion and administrative chaotic
situation where a candidate may be able to secure appointment as a Teacher in a particular subject, even though he may not have studied that subject
at all. Such cannot be the purpose of selection and we, therefore, hold that the advertisement condition of preparation of merit itself being vague and
contrary to the purpose sought to be achieved, deserves to be set aside and we accordingly do so. It may also be noted that a subject Teacher of
level-2 is also entitled for further promotion under the relevant educational service rules in that subject to the level of Teacher Gr. II in order to teach
higher classes. If a candidate enters on the lower post, even without having the minimum qualifications in that subject, would amount to resulting in a
chaotic situation.“
34. Within our Constitution, we have specificallydemarcated the ambit of power and boundaries of the three organs of the society by laying down
principles of separation of powers which have to be adhered for carrying out democratic functioning of the country. Subordinate legislations are
framed by the executive by exercising the delegated powers conferred by the statute which is the rule making power. Thus, it is inappropriate for the
Courts to issue a mandate to the State of its authorities to act in a particular fashion and manner. We are afraid that the directions issued by the
learned Single Judge would amount to legislate as to how the appointments should be made and what should be the qualification for the post of
Teacher in the subjects and what should be the minimum qualification for appointment of a Teacher in a particular subject. However, suffice it to state
that the decision to incorporate the marks obtained at various levels to treat a particular individual as eligible for appointment as a Teacher in a
particular subject, would solely rest with the Government who may frame rules thereto and this Court cannot embark upon such an exercise.
35. The question, which arises for consideration of thisCourt, as noted above, is limited to as to how the merit is to be prepared. We find that as per
the advertisement, which requires a candidate to have a particular minimum educational qualification and also to have REET eligibility, has decided to
prepare merit only on the basis of the marks obtained in the REET which has resulted in causing ambiguity, confusion and administrative chaotic
situation where a candidate may be able to secure appointment as a Teacher in a particular subject, even though he may not have studied that subject
at all. Such cannot be the purpose of selection and we, therefore, hold that the advertisement condition of preparation of merit itself being vague and
contrary to the purpose sought to be achieved, deserves to be set aside and we accordingly do so. It may also be noted that a subject Teacher of
level-2 is also entitled for further promotion under the relevant educational service rules in that subject to the level of Teacher Gr. II in order to teach
higher classes. If a candidate enters on the lower post, even without having the minimum qualifications in that subject, would amount to resulting in a
chaotic situation.â€
At this juncture, it will be profitable to take note of the relevant text of the Notification dated 29th August, 2017, which reads thus:
“Level (ii) Class VI to VII Qualifications as laid down by the National Council for Teacher Education under the provisions of sub-section (1) of
section 23 of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act 2009 (Central Act. No.35 of 2009), from time to time, and (I) for the
teacher of Social Science, the candidate must have passed graduation or equivalent examination with at least one subject as an optional subject from
amongst History, Geography, Economics, Political Science, Sociology, Public Administration and Philosophy;
(ii)Â for the teacher ofMathematics, the candidate must have passed graduation or equivalent examination with Mathematics as an optional subject;
(iii)Â for teacher of Science,the candidates must have passed graduation or equivalent examination with at least one subject as an optional subject as
an optional subject from amongst Chemistry, Physics, Botany, Zoology, Micro-Biology, Bio-technology and Bio-chemistry;
(iv)Â for the teacher of language,the candidate must have passed graduation or equivalent examination with the corresponding language as an
optional subject;
(v)Â the candidate who hasGraduated in Elementry Education (B.El.Ed.) or B.A.B.Ed./B.Sc.B.Ed., i.e. a candidate with the qualification of four
years integrated course, must also have passed the qualifying examination with the corresponding subjcet; and
(vi)Â must have passed theREET/RTET in the subject applying for.
A glance of meaning of the phrase “Teaching subject†as provided under the General Guidelines for admission to B.Ed. and 4 year B.A.-
B.Ed/B.Sc.-B.Ed. Course, in various Teacher Training Institution/Colleges, in the State of Rajasthan would reflect that a subject offered by the
candidate at his/her Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree Examination as an optional subject or as a subsidiary subject, provided the candidate
studied it for at least two years and also taken University Examination each year. It will be relevant to take note of the text of Clause 10 of the
General Guidelines aforesaid, which reads thus:
“10. For admission in the B.Ed. Course candidate must have teaching subjects at Bachelor/Master Degree level.
(i) ‘Teaching subject’ means a subject offered by the candidateat his/her Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree Examination as an optional
subject or as a subsidiary subject, provided that the candidate studied it for at least two years and also taken University Examination each year. This
shall not include such subjects as were studied by him/her only for a part of the Bachelors’ Degree course shall not be considered as teaching
subject. Thus the qualifying subjects like General English, General Hindi, General Education/History of Indian Civilization and Culture, Elementary
Mathematics, etc. prescribed for the first year T.D.C. or second year course of the University or a subject dropped by a candidate at the part-I stage
of the Degree course shall not be treated as a teaching subject. In the case of Honours Graduates, besides the Honours Graduates, besides the
honours subject, the subsidiary subjects would also be taken into account, provided the candidate studied the same for last two academic sessions and
also passed University Examination. The marksheet of Final year examination should clearly indicate the marks of compilation of Part-I, Part-II and
Part-III in the case of three years degree course or Part-II and Part-III examinations in the case of two years degree course separately.
(ii)Â Only such candidate shall be allowed to offer social studisfor the B.Ed. Examination as have taken their Bachelors Degree with atleast two
subjects out of History, Political Science, Public Administration, Economic, Geography, Philosophy, Psychology and Scociology.
(iii)Â A person having Bachelors Degree in agriculture shall beallowed to offer General Science and Biology for B.Ed. Examination. General Science
may also be allowed to be offered by a candidate passing the degree of B.Sc. (Home Science) or Passing the B.Sc. Examination with chemistry with
any one subject of Life Science, i.e. Biology or Botany or Zoology.
(iv) A candidate who has offered Political Science or PublicAdministration at this Bachlor’s or the Master’s Degree Examination shall be
eligible to offer Civics as a teaching subject in the B.Ed. Examination.â€
National Council for Teacher Education (in short ‘NCTE’), in exercise of powers conferred by Sub-Section 1 of Section 23 of the Act of
2009 and in pursuance of the Notification dated 31st March, 2010, has carried out amendments from time to time, laying down minimum qualifications
for a person to be eligible for appointment as a Teacher. The relevant Notification dated 29th July, 2011, for para 5 of the Principal Notification, has
substituted the following, contemplating thus:
“5.(b) The minimum qualification norms referred to in this Notification apply to teachers of Languages, Social Studies, Mathematics, Science, etc.
In respect of teacher for Physical Education, the minimum qualification norms for Physical Education teachers referred to in NCTE Regulation dated
3rd November, 2001 (as amended from time to time) shall be applicable. For teachers of Art Education, Craft Education, Home Science, Work
Education, etc. the existing eligibility norms prescribed by the State Governments and other school management shall be applicable till such time the
NCTE lays down the minimum qualifications in respect of such teachers.â€
24. The petitioner applied for consideration of his candidature for appointment to the post of Teacher Gr.-III for Science as well as Mathematics
(non-TSP), for the reason that he is eligible for appointment to the post of in either of the subject i.e. Mathematics or Science, in view of the fact that
he studied Physics subject, which has been indicated with subject Code 9202 in the marksheet issued by the University of Rajasthan for B.Ed
Examination-July, 2014. He has also studied the subject Mathematics which has been indicated with subject Code 9211 in the same marksheet.
25. A glance of optional subject of the petitioner, as reflected in Part-III Examination, 2013, issued on 26th July, 2013; details out the optional
subject of the petitioner as Physics with subject Code 3170, Chemistry with subject Code 3171 and Mathematics with subject Code 3175 (Annexure-
5). Learned counsel successfully demonstrated that the State-respondents have considered and treated as eligible the candidates namely: Dinesh
Sharma, Neha Manwani, Suman and Prahlad Rai Kumawat, who did not study ‘Mathematics’ as an optional subject and this factual matrix
could not be dispelled by the counsel for the respondents.
26. A Division Bench of this Court dealt with the issue in a great detail in the case of Sher Singh & Ors. (supra), holding that the advertisement
therein, required a candidate to have a particular minimum educational qualification and also to have REET eligibility. For the merit was drawn on the
basis of the marks obtained in REET which resulted into ambiguity, confusion and administrative chaotic situation where a candidate may be able to
secure appointment as a ‘Teacher’ in a particular ‘subject’, even though he might not have studied ‘that subject’ at all, and
therefore, such a criteria was held to be vague and contrary to the purpose sought to be achieved. Thus, quashment of the earlier advertisement dated
6th July, 2016, led to issuance of impugned advertisement with corrigendum dated 30th October, 2017 and the result dated 25th January, 2018, with
reference to 927 vacancies in the recruitment process involved herein.
27. The petitioner instituted the instant writ application on 11th October, 2017, much before the declaration of the result on 25th January, 2018 and
the Notification dated 21st February, 2018, amending the Rule 266 (3) of the Panchayati Raj Rules, 1996. In the case of Ajay Singh and Ors.(supra), a
Division Bench of this Court while relying upon the opinion of earlier Division Bench in this case of Sher Singh and Ors. (surpa), in no uncertain terms
held that what was prayed for by the petitioners (Ajay Singh and ors.), did not arise for consideration in view of the fact advertisement dated 6th July,
2016, was already quashed leaving it open for the State Government to initiate process for recruitment afresh in view of the observations made in the
case of Sher Singh and Ors. (supra), keeping in the directives issued by NCTE vide Notification dated 29th July, 2011. Here, it will be profitable to
take note of the text of the adjudication in the case of Ajay Singh and Ors.i (surpa), which reads thus:
“Counsel for the petitioner submits that although the purposive interpretation which has been extended by the Division Bench certainly take note of
the grievance of the petitioners as well but there is no clarity in the Notification of NCTE, of which reference has been made, dt.29.07.2011 and to be
more specific about relevant subject and in absence of there being clarity in the Notification of NCTE, pursuant to which the process of selection was
initiated by the State Government that apprehends the present petitioners that whether it is possible without assailing the validity of Notification of
NCTE.
Reply to the writ petition has been filed by respondent No.1- NCTE and in para-16 of the reply, the NCTE has made its intention clear that pedagogy
in a Teacher Education Programme is an integral and essential component of D.El.Ed. & B.Ed. syllabus and left it for the concerned authority to take
cognizance. We consider it appropriate to quote para-16 of the reply filed by the NCTE which reads ad infra:-
“16. That however it is submitted that pedagogy in a teacher education programme is an integral and essential component of the D.El.Ed. & B.Ed.
syllabus. It is expected that the appointing authority take cognizance of this fact.â€
Counsel for NCTE submits that what has been intended by the NCTE has been noticed by the Division Bench in its judgment referred to supra and
after the interpretation has come on record, there is no further need to dwell upon the question which has been raised in the instant petition and the
grievance of the petitioner has been taken note of needs no further endeavor in examining the question raised for consideration of this court.
After we have heard counsel for the parties and taking note of the clarification made by the Division Bench of this court, of which we have made a
reference, what has been prayed for by the petitioner in assailing the validity of Notification of NCTE does not arise for consideration and after the
advertisement dt.06.07.2016 has been quashed the fresh process be initiated keeping in view the observations made in the judgment referred to supra
and it is further left open for the State Government to lay down the criteria of selection keeping in view the directives of NCTE dt.29.07.2011.
After we have heard counsel for the parties and taking note of the grievance of the petitioner and keeping in view the judgment of the coordinate
Bench of this court, of which we have made reference supra, there is no requirement to have any further deliberation on the issue raised for
consideration.
Consequently, the instant writ petition in the light of the judgment of Division Bench, referred to supra, stands disposed of.â€
 28. The amendment issued vide Notification dated 21st February, 2018, amending Rule 266(3) providing for qualifications for the Teachers of
‘Science and Mathematics’ after initiation of the recruitment process and the result declared on 25th January, 2018, cannot justify the action of
the State-respondents. Firstly, the Notification dated 21st February, 2018, cannot be applied with retrospective effect, and, Secondly, the qualifications
prescribed vide amendment dated 21st February, 2018; are contrary to the Notification dated 29th July, 2011, issued by the National Council for
Teacher Education (NCTE).
29. In the case of Zile Singh Vs. State of Haryana and Ors.: (2004)8 SCC1, the Apex Court of the land dealt with the issue of Disqualification for
Membership brought in by Haryana Municipal (Amendment) Act, 1994, by inserting Section 13A in Chapter III of the Principal Act, dealing with the
situation, where a person having more than two children on or after the expiry of one year of the commencement of the Act, was treated as the
‘substitution’ distinguishing it from 'supersession' resulting into repeal of earlier provision and its replacement by the new provision. Thus, taking
into consideration, the legislative intent to impose a disqualification, an exception was carved out for a fact situation for the operation of the newly
introduced disqualification, and therefore, the Supreme Court, concluded in favour of the retrospectivity in factual matrix of that case. In the case at
hand, the facts and circumstances, are entirely different and distinguishable for what has been held by the Division Bench of this Court in the case of
Sher Singh and Ors. (supra), which has attained finality.
 30. In the case of Gaurav Pradhan and ors. Vs. State of Rajasthan and Ors.: 2017(4) SCT89 (SC), the Apex Court of the land in no uncertain
terms held thus:
“3. The Rajasthan Public Service Commission issued an advertisement dated 14.10.2010 inviting applications for selection on various posts of
constables. On 25.10.2010 another advertisement was issued by the Rajasthan Public Service Commission for selection on the post of Sub Inspector
of Police. The selection process for the posts of constables as well as post of Sub Inspector of Police comprised of the different stages. During
process of selection, the State Government issued a circular dated 11.05.2011 providing that candidates of BC/SBC/SC/ST irrespective of whether
they have availed of any concession including relaxation in age shall be migrated against open category vacancies if they have secured more marks
than the last candidate of open category. Select list of constables was issued on 01.07.2011 whereas result of Sub Inspector of Police was issued on
25.02.2013. Various writ petitions were filed by the general category candidates where they have questioned the circular dated 11.05.2011 and
preparation of select list accordingly. The case of the general category candidates was that those reserved category candidates who have taken
concession of relaxation of age in competition for post of constable/SI of Police cannot be migrated to general category vacancies. Learned Single
Judge decided Special Writ Petitions vide judgment dated 27.12.2012 taking view that circular dated 11.05.2011 is not applicable since the recruitment
process had began prior to circular 11.05.2011. It was held that migration of reserved category candidates to open/general category can be permitted
as per earlier circular dated 24.06.2008. With regard to circular dated 11.05.2011, it was held that the said circular needs to be given proper
interpretation. Learned Single Judge held that only those who have taken benefit of concession of fee and not the relaxation in age during the process
of selection would be allowed to migrate to open/general category if obtained equal or more marks to the last candidate in open/general category. As
noted above, other group of writ petitions was decided by the Single Judge vide judgment dated 08.11.2013 following the judgment dated 27.04.2012.
Shri Sushil Kumar Jain, learned senior Counsel for the Appellants in support of the appeals contends that the reserved category candidates who had
participated in the selection after obtaining the benefit of relaxation in age cannot be allowed to be treated in the open/general category and as per the
Government circular dated 24.06.2008 such candidates have to be treated in the reserved category candidates. He submits that circular dated
11.05.2011 reversing the earlier provision for migration in the general/open category was not applicable in the present case since the advertisements
were issued much before the aforesaid circular and the recruitment process had begun. It is submitted that the judgment relied on by the Division
Bench in coming to the conclusion that relaxation in age does not prohibit the reserved category candidates from migrating the open/general category
quota are not applicable in the facts of the present case. Shri Jain submits that the issue raised in these appeals is fully covered by the judgment of this
Court dated 6th April, 2017 in C.A. No. 3609 of 2017, Deepa E.V. v. Union of India and Ors. It is submitted that in view of the judgment of this Court
in Deepa E.V., the appeals deserve to be allowed setting aside the judgment of the Division Bench and restoring that of learned Single Judge.
We have considered the submissions of the parties and perused the records. From the submissions of the learned Counsel for the parties and
materials on record the following issues arise for consideration in these appeals:
(1)Â Whether the reserved category candidateswho had taken benefit of age relaxation in the selection in question and have obtained marks equal or
more to last general category candidate would be treated in the general/open category candidates or ought to have been confined in the reserved
category candidates.
(2)Â Whether the circular dated 11.05.2011 issuedby the State Government changing the criteria for migrating reserved category candidates into
general category candidates can be applied in respect to the selection which had already began on issuance of advertisements dated 14.10.2010 and
25.10.2010.
As noticed above Rule 7(1) of 1989 Rules expressly provides that ""reservation of vacancies for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes
shall be in accordance with the orders of the Government for such reservation in force at the time of recruitment i.e. by direct recruitment and by
promotion"". The circular of the Government shall be treated to be in force for the purpose of reservation which is in force at the time of recruitment.
Recruitment commenced by the advertisement dated 7.10.2010 and 25.10.2010 at that time only circular dated 24.06.2008 was in force, hence,
subsequent circular dated 11.05.2011 cannot be applied in the present recruitment. There cannot be any dispute that the policy of reservation can
always be changed by the State Government and the State Government can change the manner and methodology of implementing the reservation and
criteria of reservation of the reserved category candidates and general category candidates. It is also relevant to note that both learned Single Judge
and Division Bench have not approved circular dated 11.05.2011 in toto. Both the Courts have held that apart from age relaxation, if the candidate has
taken any other relaxation circular dated 11.05.2011 cannot help him in migrating into general category candidate.
In view of the foregoing discussion, we are of the considered opinion that the candidates belonging to SC/ST/BC who had taken relaxation of age
were not entitled to be migrated to the unreserved vacancies, the State of Rajasthan has migrated such candidates who have taken concession of age
against the unreserved vacancies which resulted displacement of a large number of candidates who were entitled to be selected against the
unreserved category vacancies. The candidates belonging to unreserved category who could not be appointed due to migration of candidates belonging
to SC/ST/BC were clearly entitled for appointment which was denied to them on the basis of the above illegal interpretation put by the State. We,
however, also take notice of the fact that the reserved category candidates who had taken benefit of age relaxation and were migrated on the
unreserved category candidates and are working for more than last five years. The reserved category candidates who were appointed on migration
against unreserved vacancies are not at fault in any manner. Hence, we are of the opinion that SC/ST/BC candidates who have been so migrated in
reserved vacancies and appointed should not be displaced and allowed to continue in respective posts. On the other hand, the unreserved candidates
who could not be appointed due to the above illegal migration are also entitled for appointment as per their merit. The equities have to be adjusted by
this Court.â€
In the case of P. Mahendran and ors. Vs. State of Karnataka and ors.: (1990)1 SCC 11, the Supreme Court in unequivocal terms observed that
the right is created in favour for consideration for appointment to the post in accordance with the terms and conditions of advertisement and existing
recruitment rules and this right cannot be affected by amendment of any rule unless the amending rule is retrospective in nature. Here, it will be
profitable to take note of the text of paragraph 2, 3, 4 and 5 of the opinion, which reads thus:
“2. The dispute involved in the present cases relates to the selection and appointment of Motor Vehicle Inspectors. Recruitment to the said post is
regulated by the Karnataka General Service (Motor Vehicles Branch) (Recruitment) Rules, 1962 (hereinafter referred to as 'the Rules') framed under
Article 309 of the Constitution. These Rules provide for direct recruitment to the post of Motor Vehicle Inspectors and it further lays down the
minimum qualification requiring a candidate to be holder of Diploma in Automobile Engineering or Mechanical Engineering. In 1978 the Karnataka
Public Service Commission held selections and about 200 posts of Motor Vehicle Inspectors were filled up from amongst the candidates holding
Diploma in Mechanical Engineering and in Automobile Engineering. On September 28, 1983 the Public Service Commission issued an advertisement
(published in the Karnataka Gazette on October 6, 1983) inviting applications for 56 posts of Motor Vehicle Inspectors which was later on increased
to 102 posts. The advertisement specifically stated that the selection shall be made in accordance with the Recruitment Rules 1976 and it further
stated that a candidate for selection must be holder of Diploma in Automobile Engineering or Mechanical Engineering. The appellants/petitioners (in
writ petition) who were holding Diploma in Mechanical Engineering alongwith others applied for selection to the post of Motor Vehicle Inspectors.
The Commission after scrutiny of the application forms issued letters for interview to the suitable candidates and the Commission commenced the
holding of interviews in August, 1984. It appears that the Commission refused to interview some candidates who were competing for selection against
the reserved seats for 'local candidates' on the ground that they were not entitled to be treated as 'local candidates' as they had not actually worked as
'local candidates' in the post of Motor Vehicle Inspectors and further they had secured low percentage of marks, they were further not entitled to be
interviewed against the seats earmarked for general pool as the marks secured by them were less than the percentage of marks obtained by the last
candidate called for interview. The candidates claiming reserved seats as 'local candidates' filed a number of petitions under Article 226 of the
Constitution before the High Court of Karnataka and obtained stay orders as a result of which the selection could not be completed. Later interim
orders were modified by the High Court and the Commission was permitted to proceed with the selection reserving seats for the petitioners. The High
Court further modified its order at a later stage permitting the Commission to make selection and appointment with a condition that the appointments
so made will be subject to the decision of the writ petitions. Thereafter the Commission resumed interviews again and it completed the same by 2nd
June 1987 and declared the result of the selection on 22.6.1987 which was published in the Karnataka Gazette dated 23rd July, 1987. The selected
candidates were given intimation of their selection and the State Government took steps for imparting them three months' training before appointing
them as Motor Vehicle Inspectors.
3. Meanwhile, the State Government of Karnataka amended the Recruitment Rules by a Notification dated May 4, 1987 published in the Gazette on
14.5.1987 omitting the qualification of Diploma in Mechanical Engineering for the post of Motor Vehicle InspectOrs. Consequent to the amendment of
Rules the holders of Diploma of Automobile Engineering became exclusively eligible for appointment to the post of Motor Vehicle Inspectors and the
holders of Diploma in Mechanical Engineering ceased to be eligible for selection and appointment to the said post. Some of those candidates who
were unsuccessful at the selection held by the Commission preferred applications before the Karnataka Administrative Tribunal at Bangalore for
quashing the select list prepared by the Commission and also for quashing the Notification dated 28.9.1983 inviting applications for appointment to the
post of Motor Vehicle Inspectors on the ground that after the amendment of Rules in 1987, no person holding the Diploma in Mechanical Engineering
was qualified for appointment, therefore fresh selection should be made in accordance with the amended Rules. The State Government of Karnataka
as well as the appellants both contested the applications and asserted that the 1987 amendment to the Recruitment Rules were not retrospective
instead the amendments were prospective and the amended Rules did not affect the selections which were in the process of finalisation by the
Commission. The Tribunal held that after the amendment of the Recruitment Rules in May, 1987 the Commission could not make selection or
determine the result on the basis of the Rules which existed prior to 14th May 1987 and as such the selection of candidates holding Diploma in
Mechanical Engineering was illegal as holders of Diploma in Mechanical Engineering ceased to be eligible for appointment to the post of Motor
Vehicle Inspectors with effect from the date of publication of the amending Rules. On these findings the Tribunal allowed the applications and
quashed the advertisement issued under the Notification dated 28.9.1983 as well as the select list published by the Public Service Commission and it
further issued directions to the Public Service Commission to invite fresh applications and to make selections in accordance with the amended Rules.
Aggrieved, the appellants who had been selected by the Commission for appointment to the posts of Motor Vehicle Inspectors have preferred appeal
before this Court. Some of the selected candidates have directly approached this Court by means of writ petition under Article 32 of the Constitution
for issue of mandamus directing the State Government to appoint the selected candidates.
4. There is no dispute that under the Recruitment Rules as well as under the advertisement dated 6. 10.1983 issued by the Public Service
Commission, holders of Diploma in Mechanical Engineering were eligible for appointment to the post of Motor Vehicle Inspectors alongwith holders of
Diploma in Automobile Engineering. On receipt of the applications from the candidates the Commission commenced the process of selection as it
scrutinised the applications and issued letters for interview to the respective candidates. In fact the Commission commenced the interviews in August
1984 and it had almost completed the process of selection but the selection could not be completed on account of interim orders issued by the High
Court at the instance of candidates seeking reservation for local candidates. The Commission completed the interviews of all the candidates and it
finalised the list of selected candidates by 2nd June 1987 and the result was published in the State Gazette on 23rd July 1987. In addition to that the
selected candidates were intimated by the Commission by separate letters. In view of these facts the sole question for consideration is as to whether
the amendment made in the Rules on 14th May 1987 rendered the selection illegal. Admittedly the amending Rule does not contain any provision
enforcing the amended Rule with retrospective effect. In the absence of any express provision contained in the amending Rule it must be held to be
prospective in nature. The Rules which are prospective in nature cannot take away or impair the right of candidates holding Diploma in Mechanical
Engineering as on the date of making appointment as well as on the date of scrutiny by the Commission they were qualified for selection and
appointment. In fact the entire selection in the normal course would have been finalized much before the amendment of Rules, but for the interim
orders of the High Court. If there had been no interim orders, the selected candidates would have been appointed much before the amendment of
Rules. Since the process of selection had commenced and it could not be completed on account of the interim orders of the High Court, the appellants'
right to selection and appointment could not be defeated by subsequent amendment of Rules.
5. It is well-settled rule of construction that every statute or statutory Rule is prospective unless it is expressly or by necessary implication made to
have retrospective effect. Unless there are words in the statute or in the Rules showing the intention to affect existing rights the Rule must be held to
be prospective. If a Rule is expressed in language which is fairly capable of either interpretation it ought to be construed as prospective only. In the
absence of any express provision. or necessary intendment the rule cannot be given retrospective effect except in matter of procedure. The amending
Rule of 1987 does not contain any express provision giving the amendment retrospective effect nor there is anything therein showing the necessary
intendment for enforcing the Rule with retrospective effect. Since the amending Rule was not retrospective, it could not adversely affect the right of
those candidates who were qualified for selection and appointment on the date they applied for the post, moreover as the process of selection had
already commenced when the amending Rules came into force. The amended Rule could not affect the existing rights of those candidates who were
being considered for selection as they possessed the requisite qualifications prescribed by the Rules before its amendment moreover construction of
amending Rules should be made in a reasonable manner to avoid unnecessary hardship to those who have no control over the subject matter.â€
In the case of State of Uttar Pradesh and Ors. Vs. Bhupendra Nath Tripathi and ors.:(2010) 13 SCC 203, while dealing with the issue of Teacher
Training Course and Eligibility qualifications for selection for Teacher training course in the backdrop of provision of National Council for Teacher
Education, 1993, the Apex Court of the land observed thus:
“14. We have given our thoughtful consideration to the entire issue that arises in this matter for our consideration. The directive principle contained
in Article 45 has made a provision for free and compulsory education for all children upto the age of 14 years within 10 years of promulgation of the
Constitution of India but the nation could not achieve this goal even after 50 years of adoption of the provision. The task of providing education to all
children in this age group gained momentum after National Policy of Education (NPE) was announced in 1986. It was felt that though the Government
of India in partnership with State Governments had made strenuous efforts to fulfill the mandate and though significant improvements were seen in
various educational indicators, the ultimate goal of providing universal and quality education still remained unfulfilled. In order to fulfill that goal, it was
felt that an explicit provision should be made in the Part of the Constitution relating to Fundamental Rights. Right to Education is now a guaranteed
fundamental right under Article 21A. It commands that:
“21-A. Right to education.- The State shall provide free and compulsory education to all children of the age of 6 to 14 years in such manner as the
State may, by law, determine.
15. The State as at present is under the constitutionalobligation to provide education to all children of the age of 6 to 14 years. The State by virtue of
Article 21A is bound to provide free education, create necessary infrastructure and effective machinery for the proper implementation of the right and
meet total expenditure of the schools to that extent. Right to Education guaranteed by Article 21A would remain illusory in the absence of State taking
adequate steps to have required number of schools manned by efficient and qualified teachers.
16. Before teachers are allowed to teach the children,they are required to receive appropriate and adequate training from a duly recognized training
institute. It has been observed by this Court:
“14….. Allowing ill-trained teachers coming out of derecognized or unrecognized institutes or licensing them to teach the children of
impressionable age, contrary to the norms prescribed, will be detrimental to the interest of the nation itself in the sense that in the process of building a
great nation, teachers and educational institutions also play vital role.
In cases like these, interest of individuals cannot be placed above or preferred to larger public interest"" (See L. Muthukumar v. State of T.N. SCC
p.626, para 14.)
Such is the importance of proper training to the teachers before they are allowed to teach the children of impressionable age.
33. In the case of L. Muthukumar and Another Vs. State of T.N. and ors.:(2000) 7 SCC 618, the Supreme Court taking note of the fact that in a
few cases where mistakes were committed while issuing diplomas/certificates to the teachers coming out of derecognized or unrecognized institutes
was held to be detrimental to the interest of the nation itself. On a survey of earlier opinions, the Supreme Court observed thus:
“14. Having regard to the specific stand of the respondents and in the light of the Division Bench judgment of the High Court in the case of the
P.M. Joseph which was affirmed by this Court in Civil Appeal Nos. 2914-16 of 1993 decided on June 15, 1993 (St. John's Teachers Training Institute
case) aforementioned no mark sheet or diploma/ certificate can be issued. Further two special leave petitions filed against the same judgment of the
High Court (SLP No. 10110/ 93 and 9421/93) were also dismissed by this Court on 4-10-1993 and 19-7-1993 respectively. It is not expected that the
respondents would issue diplomas/certificates with the endorsement to other candidates. Assuming that in few cases such mistakes are committed in
issuing diplomas/certificates with the endorsement that the Teacher Training Institute in which a student studied is not recognized by the Director of
School Education, Government of Tamil Nadu, such mistakes cannot be allowed to be repeated or perpetuated in the light of the judicial
pronouncements referred to above, which have become final. Added to this, the institutes where the Petitioners underwent training which were de-
recognized by virtue of judgment in P.M. Joseph's case were covered by the said judgment. Hence the Petitioners cannot escape but are bound by the
said judgment. Their seeking writ of mandamus for issuance of mark sheets and/ or diplomas/certificates contrary to the said judgment, that too after a
period of six years, could not be granted by the High Court and rightly so in our opinion. We are of the considered opinion that before teachers are
allowed to teach innocent children, they must receive appropriate and adequate training in a recognized training institute satisfying the prescribed
norms, otherwise standard of education and career of children will be jeopardized. In most civilized and advanced countries, job of a teacher in
primary school is considered important and crucial one because moulding of young minds begins in primary schools. Allowing ill-trained teachers
coming out of derecognized or unrecognized institutes or licensing them to teach the children of impressionable age, contrary to the norms prescribed,
will be detrimental to the interest of the nation itself in the sense that in the process of building a great nation, teachers and educational institutions also
play vital role. In cases like these, interest of individuals cannot be placed above or preferred to larger public interest. Thus considering all relevant
aspects, Petitioners' prayers cannot be granted. Hence we do not find any substance in the second contention urged by the learned Counsel for the
petitioners.â€
34. The plea of adjudication in the case of Rahul Kumar Jain & Anr. Vs. State of Rajasthan and Ors.:SBCWP No.16532/2017, decided on 5th
March, 2018, may not detain for this Court for a long for the adjudication cannot be treated as precedent in the face of adjudication by a Division
Bench of this Court in the case of Sher Singh & Ors. (supra), and is per incurium. In the case of Roger Shashoua and ors. Vs. Mukesh Sharma and
Ors.: (2017) 14 SCC 722, the Supreme Court while explaining the meaning of ratio decidendi and per incuriam rule, observed thus:
“42. In Sundeep Kumar Bafna (supra), the Court referred to the Constitution Bench decision in Union of India v. Raghubir Singh and Chandra
Prakash v. State of U.P. and thereafter expressed its view thus:
“19. It cannot be overemphasized that the discipline demanded by a precedent or the disqualification or diminution of a decision on the application
of the per incuriam Rule is of great importance, since without it, certainty of law, consistency of rulings and comity of Courts would become a costly
casualty. A decision or judgment can be per incuriam any provision in a statute, Rule or Regulation, which was not brought to the notice of the Court.
A decision or judgment can also be per incuriam if it is not possible to reconcile its ratio with that of a previously pronounced judgment of a Co-equal
or Larger Bench; or if the decision of a High Court is not in consonance with the views of this Court. It must immediately be clarified that the per
incuriam Rule is strictly and correctly applicable to the ratio decidendi and not to obiter dicta. It is often encountered in High Courts that two or more
mutually irreconcilable decisions of the Supreme Court are cited at the Bar. We think that the inviolable recourse is to apply the earliest view as the
succeeding ones would fall in the category of per incuriam.â€
55. At this juncture, we think it necessary to dwell uponthe issue whether Shashoua principle is the ratio decidendi of BALCO and Enercon (India)
Ltd. (supra) and we intend to do so for the sake of completeness. It is well settled in law that the ratio decidendi of each case has to be correctly
understood. In Regional Manager v. Pawan Kumar Dubey, a three-Judge Bench ruled:
... It is the Rule deducible from the application of law to the facts and circumstances of a case which constitutes its ratio decidendi and not some
conclusion based upon facts which may appear to be similar. One additional or different fact can make a world of difference between conclusions in
two cases even when the same principles are applied in each case to similar facts.â€
56. In Director of Settlements, A.P. and Ors. v. M.R.Apparao and Anr. MANU/SC/0219/2002 : (2002) 4 SCC 638, another three-Judge Bench,
dealing with the concept whether a decision is ""declared law"", observed:
“7. ...But what is binding is the ratio of the decision and not any finding of facts. It is the principle found out upon a reading of a judgment as a
whole, in the light of the questions before the Court that forms the ratio and not any particular word or sentence. To determine whether a decision has
declared law"" it cannot be said to be a law when a point is disposed of on concession and what is binding is the principle underlying a decision. A
judgment of the Court has to be read in the context of questions which arose for consideration in the case in which the judgment was delivered....
Thus, the analysis made in the said case, the twoJudge Bench has opined that a precedent is a judicial decision containing a principle which forms
an authoritative element termed as ratio decidendi and any reasons assigned in support of such interim order containing prima facie findings are only
tentative. There cannot be any quarrel over the aforesaid proposition of law. However, the controversy involved in this case has its distinctive
characteristics. The Commercial Court in London, interpreting the same agreement adverted to earlier judgments (may be in anti-suit injunction) and
held that in such a situation the Courts in London will have jurisdiction. The analysis made therein, as has been stated earlier, has been appreciated in
BALCO and Enercon (India) Ltd. (supra) and this Court has approved the principle set forth in the said case. Once this Court has accepted the
principle, the principle governs as it holds the field and it becomes a binding precedent. To explicate, what has been stated in Shashoua as regards the
determination of seat/place on one hand and venue on the other having been accepted by this Court, the conclusion in Shashoua cannot be avoided by
the parties. It will be an anathema to law to conceive a situation where this Court is obligated to accept that the decisions in BALCO and Enercon
(India) Ltd. (supra) which approve Shashoua principle are binding precedents, yet with some innate sense of creativity will dwell upon and pronounce,
as canvassed by the learned senior Counsel for the Respondent, that inter-party dispute arose in the context of an anti-suit injunction and, therefore,
the same having not attained finality, would not bind the parties. This will give rise to a total incompatible situation and certainly lead to violation of
judicial discipline. We cannot conceive it to be permissible. Therefore, without any hesitation, we reject the said submission.â€
35. In the case of Government of Andhra Pradesh & anr. Vs. B. Satyanarayana Rao (Dead) by LRS & Ors. etc. etc.: (2000) 3 SCC 715, the
Supreme Court held that rule of per incuriam can be applied where a Court itself omits to consider a binding precedent of the same Court or the
superior Court. At this juncture, it will be profitable to take note of text of paragraph 8, which reads thus:
“8. Learned counsel for the respondent attempted to convince us that the decision in the case of State of A. P. v. V. Sadanandam (supra) has to
be ignored on the principle of per incuriam as certain relevant provisions of the Rules were not considered in the said case, and in any case this case
requires to be referred to a larger Bench of three Judges. Rule of per incuriam can be applied where a Court omits to consider a binding precedent of
the same Court or the superior Court rendered on the same issue or where a Court omits to consider any statute while deciding that issue. This is not
the case here. In State of A. P. v. V. Sadanandam (supra) the controversy was exactly the same as it is here and this Court after considering
paragraph 5 of the Presidential Order of 1975 held that the Government has power to fill a vacancy in a zone by transfer. We, therefore, find that rule
of per incuriam cannot be invoked in the present case. Moreover, a case cannot be referred to a larger Bench on mere asking of a party. A decision
by two Judges has a binding effect on another co-ordinate Bench of two Judges, unless it is demonstrated that the said decision by any subsequent
change in law or decision ceases to laying down a correct law. We, therefore, reject the arguments of learned Counsel for the respondents.â€
36. In the case of State of U.P. and another Vs. Synthetics and Chemicals Ltd. And Another: (1991) 4 SCC 139, the Supreme Court observed that
decision not express, nor founded on reasons nor proceeding on consideration of the issue, cannot be deemed as “law declaredâ€. Here it will be
relevant to take note of the text of paragraph 18, 25 and 32, which reads thus:
“18. It is in this background that the cardinal question has to be examined, that is, whether or not the power of the State to levy tax on the sale or
purchase of goods falling under Entry 54 of List II will comprehend industrial alcohol. It is significant that the taxing power of the State on a matter
falling within its competence under this Entry, namely, sale or purchase of goods (other than newspapers) is, subject to the taxing power of Parliament
under Entry 92A of List I, and other provisions of the Constitution, plenary and unlimited, and untrammelled by the supervisory or regulatory power of
Parliament under Entry 52 of List I read with its concurrent power under Entry 33 of List III. This is the crucial distinction between the wide taxing
power of the State under Entry 54 of List II and its conditional or restricted taxing power, for example, over mineral rights mentioned in Entry 50 of
that List which was considered in India Cement Ltd. & Ors. v. State. of Tamil Nadu & Ors., [1990] 1 SCC 12. Similarly, the power of the State in
respect of potable alcohol (as distinguished from industrial alcohol) falling under Entry 8 of List II is significantly unfettered, unlike, for example, mines
and mineral development over which the regulatory power of the State is specifically stated to be subject to the regulatory power of Parliament (see
entry 23 of List II read with Entry 54 of List I). The legislative competence of the State in respect of mines and -I minerals was accordingly held to be
denuded to the extent that the 83 field was covered by section 9 of the Central Act, namely, Mines and Minerals (Regulation and Development Act),
1957 see India Cement (supra). Unlike mines and minerals, alcohol stands on a different footing, and is dealt with differently, dependant on whether it
is potable or not. What is significant is that legislation falling in pith and substance under Entry 8 or Entry 51 of List II in relation to alcoholic liquor for
human consumption (as distinguished from industrial alcohol) whether for the purpose of levying vend fee or transport fee or excise duty, strictly
confined to such articles, is not subject to challenge on the ground of legislative incompetence or repugnancy by reason of the power vested in
Parliament under Entry 52 or Entry 84 of List I or Entry 33 of List III. Incompetence or repugnancy arises only when the impact of the legislation
falls, not incidentally, but substantially on industrial alcohol so as to transgress on a field occupied by Parliament.
The power of regulation and control is separate and distinct the power of taxation. Legislative exercise of regulation or control referfable to Entry
52 of List I or Entry 8 of List II is distinct and different from a taxing power attributable to Entry 54 of List II or Entry 92A or 92B of List I. The
power to levy taxes on sale or purchase or consignment in referrable to these Entries, and subject to the other provisions of the Constitution, the taxing
power of the State is not cut down by the general legislative control vested in Parliament and 87 referrable to the general topics of legislation.
These decisions unmistakably demonstrate the power of the State to levy taxes on the sale or purchase of goods other than newspapers but
subject to Entry 92A of List I which deals with the legislative power of Parliament to levy taxes on the sale or purchase of goods other than
newspapers where such sale or purchase takes place in the course of inter-State trade Or commerce. Subject to the overriding power of Parliament in
respect of what falls under Entry 92A and the provisions of Article 286, the State has full legislative competence in levying taxes on the sale or
purchase of goods other than newspapers. The power to tax under Entry 54 of List 11 being a specific power, it cannot be cut down or in any manner
lettered by the general power of control exercised by Parliament by legislation on a matter falling under Entry 52 of List I relating to an industry, the
control of which by the Union is declared by Parliament by law to be expedient in the public interest, read with Entry 33 of List III dealing with trade
and commerce in and the production, supply and distribution of the products of any such controlled industry, and imported goods of the same kind as
such products, and other articles mentioned in Entry 33. The impugned provision of the Uttar Pradesh Sales of Motor Spirit, Diesel Oil and Alcohol
Taxation (Amendment) Act, 1976 levying tax at the 90 point of first purchase of alcohol in the State is undoubtedly an impost failing in pith and
substance under Entry 54- of List II. In the absence of any fetter on the legislative power and in the absence of any valid challenge against the
provision as a colourable piece of legislation, the impugned legislative enactment remains unimpeachable.
37. From the factual matrix of the case at hand, it is evident that the State-respondents issued advertisement providing for eligibility criteria in
consonance with law declared by the Division Bench of this Court in the case of Sher Singh and ors. (supra). The advertisement inviting application
from eligible candidates for appointment to the post of Teacher Gr.III (Level-II), was issued on 30th October, 2017. Hence, the Notification dated
21st February, 2018, prescribing a criteria contrary to the terms and conditions of the advertisement dated 30th October, 2017, cannot be upheld.
Further, the criteria amended subsequent to declaration of result of the recruitment process, involved herein; also runs contrary to the opinion of the
Division bench in the case of Sher Singh and Ors. (supra). The criteria is also contrary to the Notification dated 29th July, 2011, issued by National
Council for Teacher Education, 1993, which has been enacted with the object to achieve planned and Co-ordinated development of teacher education
system throughout the country.
38. For the reasons and discussions aforesaid and in view of the singular facts of the case at hand; the writ application succeeds and is hereby
allowed.
39. The State-respondents are directed to re-draw the merit list for 927 vacancies for the post of Teacher Gr.III (Level-II) Science and
Mathematics; separately, in consonance with Notification dated 29th August, 2017. No costs.
