Summary: A recent court decision highlights the ongoing struggle to fill backlog vacancies for Geography teachers in Tamil Nadu. Justice N. Anand Venkatesh ruled on requests demanding that these backlog vacancies be prioritized over current ones.
The requests were made by C. Venkatesan and others, who argued that there were 595 backlog vacancies, including 400 for Geography teachers. Despite this, an announcement was made to fill only 87 current vacancies, ignoring the backlog.
"The backlog vacancies must be filled first before addressing current vacancies," argued C. Venkatesan and others.
The court heard from several people, including Mrs. N. Kavitha Rameshwar for C. Venkatesan and Mr. R. Neelakandan, Additional Advocate General, for the State of Tamil Nadu. The main issue was whether the backlog vacancies could be filled by using extra teachers.
C. Venkatesan and others referred to Article 16(4B) of the Indian Constitution and the Tamil Nadu Government Servants Act, 2016, which prevent the removal of reserved vacancies meant for SC, ST, and MBC communities.
"Reserved seats must be carried forward if not filled," they emphasized.
Justice Venkatesh noted that using extra teachers to fill backlog vacancies was not a valid solution. The backlog should be addressed separately, following the rules of reservation.
The court decided that the 382 backlog vacancies should be filled over the coming years, as per recruitment announcements. The current vacancies have already been filled, and C. Venkatesan and others were unable to meet the cut-off marks.
"The backlog vacancies shall be filled up year by year," the court ordered, ensuring compliance with the Tamil Nadu Government Servants Act.
