S. Nagamuthu, J. - (1.) THE petitioner is presently working as a Secondary Grade Teacher. She completed her Secondary School Leaving Certificate (S.S.L.C.,) course in the year 1983 and then, Diploma in Teacher Education course in August 1997. While she was working as Secondary Grade Teacher, she joined Bachelor of Literature (B.Lit) course in Annamalai University under correspondence scheme and obtained degree from the said University in the year 2011. Thus, according to her, she is entitled for being considered for promotion to the post of B.T Assistant or Middle School Headmaster. Since, her name has not been so far considered despite her request, she is before this Court with this writ petition seeking a direction to the respondents to include her name in the panel for promotion for the Middle School Head Master from 1.6.2014 on par with her juniors in Thiruthuraipoondi Union with all benefits.
(2.) I have heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned Special Government Pleader appearing for the respondents and I have also perused the records carefully. From the records produced before this Court, it is crystal clear that the petitioner is entitled for being considered for promotion to the post of B.T Assistant or Middle School Headmaster. The Diploma in Teacher Education did by the petitioner before joining Bachelor of Literature (B.Lit) course has been held to be equivalent to Higher Secondary Certificate course (+2) in number of judgments of this Court. Therefore, it cannot be contended that the petitioner is not qualified for promotion to the post of B.T. Assistant/Middle School Headmaster. Further, the petitioner is entitled for inclusion of her name in the panel for promotion to the post of B.T Assistant or Middle School Headmaster based on her seniority and other requirements. In this order, I only declare that the petitioner is eligible for promotion and accordingly, she is entitled for being considered for promotion to the post of B.T. Assistant/Middle School Headmaster. Whether the petitioner is entitled for inclusion of her name in the panel for promotion or not, is a matter to be examined by the respondents.
(3.) IN view of all the above, the writ petition is disposed of thereby declaring that the petitioner is eligible for promotion to the post of B.T. Assistant/Middle School Headmaster and with a further direction to the respondents 3 and 4 to consider the petitioner's name for inclusion in the panel for promotion provided, if she satisfies the other requirements. No costs.;