Quick Summary: The High Court reversed a previous decision that supported a university employee who wanted a promotion. The new decision stressed the importance of following set procedures and the role of the Executive Council in making such appointments.
The case is about a disagreement over a promotion at Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU). Meera Reddy, who started as a Junior Assistant, wanted a promotion to Assistant Registrar after passing several departmental tests. However, the university's Executive Council denied her application, which led her to take the issue to court.
Earlier, a Single Judge had ruled in favor of Meera Reddy, instructing JNTU to consider her for the Assistant Registrar position if she was found more suitable than others.
"The Single Judge allowed the request...directing JNTU to consider her eligibility."
JNTU, represented by their lawyer Sri A. Sudarshan Reddy, argued that Meera Reddy was not eligible for the promotion due to existing job categories and the absence of specific hiring rules for the position.
Understanding Rules: JNTU claimed that the Single Judge misunderstood a rule that explains general hiring methods but doesn't list qualifications for specific jobs.
Executive Council's Role: The resolutions made by the Executive Council, which direct how promotions are handled, were highlighted as the basis for promotions, stating that the position of Superintendent is the starting point for becoming an Assistant Registrar.
Job Categories: The university argued that different job categories must be kept separate, and Meera Reddy, from the Subordinate (Technical) Service, couldn't move to the Administrative Service without following the correct steps.
The High Court, led by Chief Justice Apresh Kumar Singh and Justice G.M. Mohiuddin, agreed with JNTU's arguments and reversed the Single Judge's order.
Importance of Executive Council: The court emphasized the Executive Council's role in keeping consistent administrative practices and policies.
Limits of Court Review: It was noted that the court's role is not to interfere with administrative decisions unless they are unfair or break the rules.
"The Executive Council's decision was neither unfair nor dishonest."
The court determined that Meera Reddy did not meet the requirements for the promotion because she was not in the recognized promotion path. This decision highlights the need to follow established procedures and respect the independence of institutional bodies like the Executive Council.
