H COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARY v. STATE OF PUNJ

HON’BLE MR. JUSTICE ANUPIN CORAM: HON HON’BLE MR. JUSTICE DEEPAK HON UPINDER SINGH GREWAL EPAK MANCHANDA Present: Mr. Mr. S.P.S. Tinna, Advocate for the ap the appellant (s). Mr. Aftab Singh Khara, Senior DAG, Mr. A DAG, Punjab. Mr. H.S. Batth, Advocate for respond Mr. H spondent No.4. **** ANUPINDER SIN R SINGH GREWAL, J. (ORAL) CM-2112-2025 This application is for condonation of This a illing tion of delay of 159 days in refilling the appeal. For the reasons stated in the applica For th pplication, the same is allowed and delay of 159 days days in refiling the appeal is condone ndoned. MAIN CASE The appellant has impugned the ju The a the judgment of the Single Bench dated 22.08.2024 .2024 whereby the writ petition pr t for ion preferred by the appellant for consideration of hi n of his case for promotion has been d been dismissed.

#2. Learned counsel for the appellant su Learn lant submits that the appellant was holding the qualifi qualification of Art and Craft Diploma ploma and Gyani. Therefore, he SWARNJIT SINGH 2025.08.02 10:14 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document LPA-840-2025 (O&M) -2- ought to have been considered eligible for promotion to the post of Punjabi Master/Mistress.

#4. Heard. The appellant, who is working as Art and Craft Teacher, has sought promotion to the post of Punjabi Master/Mistress. The essential qualification for promotion as stipulated in Punjab Education (Teaching Cadre) Group ‘C’ Service Rules, 2018, is set out hereunder: Sr. No. Designation of the Post Percentage appointment 1 1 2 Punjabi Master/Mistress Direct appointment 3 75% Promotion 4 25% by way of promotion of which (i) 24% amongst eligible primary Teachers (Irrespective whatever nomenclature conferred); and category (ii)1% of teachers Qualifications and experience appointment by Direct appointment 5 (i) Should have passed Graduation atleast with 55% marks from a recognized University Institution should passed Punjabi as an elective subject for three years of graduation; and (ii) Should have passed B.Ed. from recognized a university institution with Punjabi as one of teaching subjects as per the guideline of the University Grants Commission SWARNJIT SINGH 2025.08.02 10:14 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document Promotion a Should passed 6 (i) Graduation recognized University or Institution and should passed Punjabi as an elective subject three years of graduation; (ii) Should have passed B.Ed. from a recognized university or institution with Punjabi as one of the teaching subjects as per the guideline of the University Grants Commission and who have an experience of working as a teacher on regular basis for a minimum period of five years. LPA-840-2025 (O&M) -3-

#5. The appellant has not studied Punjabi as an Elective subject for a period of 3 years in Graduation which is an essential qualification for promotion. The contention of the appellant that he has passed Gyani and therefore, it should be treated as equivalent to Punjabi Elective, cannot be accepted for the reason that it is upto the academic bodies to consider the issue of equivalency of qualification. The qualification which has been set out for promotion in the afore-noted Rules indicates that only study of Punjabi Elective for 3 years in Graduation is recognised. No other equivalent qualification has been mentioned therein. We, therefore, do not find any manifest illegality in the judgment of the Single Bench of this Court warranting interference in appeal.

#6. The Letters Patent Appeal, being devoid of any merit, stands dismissed. (ANUPINDER SINGH GREWAL) JUDGE (DEEPAK MANCHANDA) JUDGE

31.07.2025 SwarnjitS Whether speaking/reasoned Whether reportable : : Yes / No Yes / No SWARNJIT SINGH 2025.08.02 10:14 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document