# K.C. GUPTA AND 117 ORS v. LT. GOVERNOR OF DELHI AND 43 ORS

- **Citation:** [1994] Supp. 2 S.C.R. 637
- **Court:** Supreme Court of India
- **Decided:** 1994-08-16
- **Case number:** Civil Appeal No. 2824 of 1984
- **Bench:** S.C. Agrawal, FAlZAN UDDIN
- **Source:** https://unisonlegal.in/judgment/supreme-court-of-india/k-c-gupta-and-117-ors-v-lt-governor-of-delhi-and-43-ors-12328
- **Pages:** 23

## Headnote

Constitution of India, I950: Articles 14 and 16 read with Ru/es/Administrative Instruction under Article 309--Where the Scheme for merger of
two cadres is implemented, it must be implemented in a manner so as to see
that .~o cadre is discriminated against.
A
B
c
Service Law : Delhi Administration-Municipal Corporation of D
De/hf-School Teachers-Merger of cadres-Implementation o~atio of
promotion-No cadre to be discriminated against.
Prior to July 1, 1970 Post Graduate Teachers (PGT) in the pay scale
of Rs. 275·550 and Trained graduate Teachers (TGT) in the pay scale of E
Rs. 190-425 were employed in the High Court Secondary Schools run by
the Delhi .Admn. Besides, M.C.D. also used to run several Middle and
Higher Secondary Schools with the categories of teachers as follows :
L
IL
TGT (Middle)
TGT ( Higher Secondary)
Rs. 175. 350
Rs. 190. 425
III.
Headmasters of Middle School
Rs 220 • 470
IV.
PGT
Rs. 275. 550
F
Corporation's schools were taken over by the Admi~istration on the G
terms and conditions mentioned in the letter dated April 20, 1970 sent by
the Additional Secretary. All the merged employees of the Corporation who
were to be absorbed by Delhi Administration also accepted the terms and
conditions of the service for absorption. In pursuance of the resolution of
the Municipal Corporation and the notilication of the Lt. Governor the H
637
638
SUPREME COURT REPORTS [1994] SUPP. 2 S.C.R.
A services of all the teacher serving in the schools run by the Corporation
were taken over from the Municipal Corporation were to be absorbed in
the services of Delhi Administration to be placed in the separate cadre and
designated as 'Special Cadre' and regarded as diminishing cadre.
B
c
Admillistration Teachers were designated as Administration cadre.
TI1e ratio of the aforesaid two cadres for the purposes of promotion was
as under:
(a)
(b)
TGTs Admn. Cadre
21
PGTs in Admn. Cadre
23
TGTs Sp!.
1
PGTs in Sp!. Cadre
1
Delhi Administration Cadre teachers filed writ petition in the High
Court challenging the take over of corporation teachers. The petition was _
D dismissed holding that there was no infirmity in the principles on which
the take over of the schools was effected The pay-scales of different
categories were revised With effect from May 27, 1970.
According to U,is revision of pay scales the TGTs (Middle) whose
scale of pay was 175-350 and the TGTs (Higher Secondary) whose pay scale
E was 190-425 were merged together in one cadre and were given nnilied were
merged together in one cadre and were given unified revised pay scale of Rs.
220-500. The existing pay-scales to the Headmasters of the Middle Schools
was Rs. 220-470 which was revised to Rs. 300-600 and the PGTs whose
existing pay scale was Rs. 275-550 was also revised to Rs. 300-600. On the
F
basis of the aforesaid revision of pay scales of the TGTs (Middle) and TGTs
(Higher Secondary) as both were placed in one unified scale a change of
proportion of ratio/quota between the Administration cadre and special
Cadre, was worked out by the Delhi Administration. Retrospectively from
May 27, 1970 the TGT (Middle) and the TGT (Higher Secondary) both were
placed In a unified common scale of pay of Rs. 220-500 and, therefore, there
G was no question of promotion ofTGT (Middle) to the post ofTGT (Higher
Secondary) as the scale of boili became one. By the order dated September
18,1970whlch was brought into forcewith effectfrom May27, 1970 the same
pay scales were also made applicable to Headmasters and PGTs. As regards
to seniority and promotion of the Administrative Cadre and Special Cadre
H are administrative decision was taken by the Chief Secretry Delhi Ad·
K.C. GUPTA v. LT. GOVERNOR OF DELHI
639
ministration on October 22, 1970, to the effect that the PGT will rank senior A
to the Headmaster and similarly, both the categories of TGTs from
Municipal Corporation Delhi (Middle and Higher Secondary Teachers)
will be placed in the same panel but the TGTs of Higher Secondary School
will r

## Text

_Characters 0–39,979 of 54,391. This is a partial read: ask again with offset=39979 for what follows._

K.C. GUPTA AND 117 ORS.
v.
LT. GOVERNOR OF DELHI AND 43 ORS.
WITH
K.C. LAKHANPAL AND 10 ORS.
\. ...
DELHI ADMINISTRATION AND 4 ORS.
AUGUST 16, 1994
[S.C. AGRAWAL AND FAlZAN UDDIN, JJ.]
Constitution of India, I950: Articles 14 and 16 read with Ru/es/Administrative Instruction under Article 309--Where the Scheme for merger of
two cadres is implemented, it must be implemented in a manner so as to see
that .~o cadre is discriminated against.
A
B
c
Service Law : Delhi Administration-Municipal Corporation of D
De/hf-School Teachers-Merger of cadres-Implementation o~atio of
promotion-No cadre to be discriminated against.
Prior to July 1, 1970 Post Graduate Teachers (PGT) in the pay scale
of Rs. 275·550 and Trained graduate Teachers (TGT) in the pay scale of E
Rs. 190-425 were employed in the High Court Secondary Schools run by
the Delhi .Admn. Besides, M.C.D. also used to run several Middle and
Higher Secondary Schools with the categories of teachers as follows :
L
IL
TGT (Middle)
TGT ( Higher Secondary)
Rs. 175. 350
Rs. 190. 425
III.
Headmasters of Middle School
Rs 220 • 470
IV.
PGT
Rs. 275. 550
F
Corporation's schools were taken over by the Admi~istration on the G
terms and conditions mentioned in the letter dated April 20, 1970 sent by
the Additional Secretary. All the merged employees of the Corporation who
were to be absorbed by Delhi Administration also accepted the terms and
conditions of the service for absorption. In pursuance of the resolution of
the Municipal Corporation and the notilication of the Lt. Governor the H
637
638
SUPREME COURT REPORTS [1994] SUPP. 2 S.C.R.
A services of all the teacher serving in the schools run by the Corporation
were taken over from the Municipal Corporation were to be absorbed in
the services of Delhi Administration to be placed in the separate cadre and
designated as 'Special Cadre' and regarded as diminishing cadre.
B
c
Admillistration Teachers were designated as Administration cadre.
TI1e ratio of the aforesaid two cadres for the purposes of promotion was
as under:
(a)
(b)
TGTs Admn. Cadre
21
PGTs in Admn. Cadre
23
TGTs Sp!.
1
PGTs in Sp!. Cadre
1
Delhi Administration Cadre teachers filed writ petition in the High
Court challenging the take over of corporation teachers. The petition was _
D dismissed holding that there was no infirmity in the principles on which
the take over of the schools was effected The pay-scales of different
categories were revised With effect from May 27, 1970.
According to U,is revision of pay scales the TGTs (Middle) whose
scale of pay was 175-350 and the TGTs (Higher Secondary) whose pay scale
E was 190-425 were merged together in one cadre and were given nnilied were
merged together in one cadre and were given unified revised pay scale of Rs.
220-500. The existing pay-scales to the Headmasters of the Middle Schools
was Rs. 220-470 which was revised to Rs. 300-600 and the PGTs whose
existing pay scale was Rs. 275-550 was also revised to Rs. 300-600. On the
F
basis of the aforesaid revision of pay scales of the TGTs (Middle) and TGTs
(Higher Secondary) as both were placed in one unified scale a change of
proportion of ratio/quota between the Administration cadre and special
Cadre, was worked out by the Delhi Administration. Retrospectively from
May 27, 1970 the TGT (Middle) and the TGT (Higher Secondary) both were
placed In a unified common scale of pay of Rs. 220-500 and, therefore, there
G was no question of promotion ofTGT (Middle) to the post ofTGT (Higher
Secondary) as the scale of boili became one. By the order dated September
18,1970whlch was brought into forcewith effectfrom May27, 1970 the same
pay scales were also made applicable to Headmasters and PGTs. As regards
to seniority and promotion of the Administrative Cadre and Special Cadre
H are administrative decision was taken by the Chief Secretry Delhi Ad·
K.C. GUPTA v. LT. GOVERNOR OF DELHI
639
ministration on October 22, 1970, to the effect that the PGT will rank senior A
to the Headmaster and similarly, both the categories of TGTs from
Municipal Corporation Delhi (Middle and Higher Secondary Teachers)
will be placed in the same panel but the TGTs of Higher Secondary School
will rank senior to the TGT of the Middle schools. The Headmasters of
middle schools of Corporations became surplus and, therefore, those who B
possessed qualification of M.A. would be promoted to the post of PGT and
those who did not hold M.A. degree would work as TGT but they would be
entitled to the revised scale of Rs. 300-600.
This decision was revised and separate quota of PGTs and Headmasters in the Special Cadre for promotion to the post of Vice-PrinC
cipal/Principal was fixed whereby the ratio of 1:4 between PGTs Special
Cadre and Administration Cadre was also disturbed by including PGTs
working on ad-hoc basis in the list of Administration Cadre but by subsequent circular the special quota for Headmasters were withdrawn. The
Administration issued another circular dated June 30, 1974 and fixed the D
strength of Administration Cadre and Special Cadre on year to year basis
and a new ratio was fixed for each year separately and appointments were
made accordingly. Being aggrieved the appellants who were PGTs before
take over filed a Writ Petition in the High Court which was allowed on the
wound that the decision taken by the Chief Secretary on October 22, 1970
was rational and reasonable and the Administration was not empowered to E
make a change in the said decision. The learned Single Judge held as under:
'(l) That the Delhi Administration has no authority in law to lay
down the rules or administrative Instructions in regard to the
first promotion less favourable to PGTs of the Corporation
service.
(2)
In combined panel/cadre for PGTs and Headmasters the
PGTs. rank en-block senior to the Headmasters.
F
(3)
Till the time the original cadre of PGTs (in the Corporation G
service) is exhausted, no Headmaster can be considered for
promotion to the post of Vice Principal/Principal.
(4)
The ratio for promotion to the Special Cadre (PGTs and
Headmasters together) and the PGTs in Administration
Cadre is 1:4. Appointments to the post ofVice-Princlpal/Prin- H
640
A
SUPREME COURT REPORTS (1994] SUPP. 2 S.C.R.
cipal made on September 7, 1976 should have been made only
on the basis of the said ratio of 1:4."
The Single Judge directed the Delhi Administration to review and
re-consi~er the promotions in the light of the principles laid down by the
Court. Teachers of both the cadres filed writ petitions in the ·High Court
B and the Order in the earlier Writ Petition was also challenged in LPA. All
the cases were clubbed together and the Division Bench held that :
(1) That the proportion that must be worked out between the TGTs
(Higher Grade) of the Administration Cadre and the Special Cadre '· ;11
C . be worked out on the respective strength as it existed on April 30, 1970.
D
In this principle all Special Cadre TGTs (Middle) whose grades were
revised with effect from May 27, 1970 will not be included. The proportion,
of course, will be worked out every year and not frozen as in April, 1970,
because otherwise not to take stock of the existing situation but to freeze,
It will work great hardship and also give lopsided advantage.
(2) The Headmasters belonging to the Special Cadre will be treated
and continue to belong to he Special Cadre. The claim of the administra·
lion cadre in his regard is rejected. In the Special Cadre promotions to
the Post of vlce-PrlncipaVPrinclpals have to be made both from Head·
E masters as well as PGTs. For this purpose, however, the promotion will be
given in accordance with the respective strength of Headmasters and the
PGTs Cadre separately. The Headmasters should not be placed for the
purposes of promotion en-block junior to the PGTs of the Special Cadre
as held by the Learned Single Judge.
F
(3) The date for calculating the respective strength will be done at the
G
end of each academic session which means -April of every years and not
frozen as was in April, 1970, as has been done by the learned Single Judge.
Partly allowing the appeal, this Court
HELD : 1. The proportion between the TGTs of the Administration
Cadre and the Special cadre (Higher) will be worked out on their respec·
live strength as it existed on the last day of the last academic session I.e.
on April 30, 1970 and thereafter the said proportion will be worked out on
yearly basis. So long as TGTs administration Cadre and TGTs Special
H Cadre (Higher), as on April 30 1970, are available no TGT (Middle) can
K.C. GUPTA v. LT. GOVERNOR OF DELHI
641
be considered for promotion to the Higher post of PGT. When TGTs in A
the said cadres, as on April 30, 1970 are no longer available the promotion
quota for TGTs Administration Cadre and TGTs Special Cadre will have
to be fixed yearly on the basis of the respective strengths of the two cadres
by taking into account TGTs (Middle) whose pay scales were revised with
effect from May 27, 1970. [658·G·H, 659·A]
2. In the combined panel of PGTs and the Headmasters, the PGTs
el!·block shall rank senior to the Headmasters and till the members of the
original mtdre of PGTs (in the Corporation services) is exhausted no
•.
T
Headmaster.s can be considered for promotion to the post of Vice Prin·
B
cipal/Principal. [654-B]
C
3. The ratio of promotion of the Special Cadre {PGTs and Head·
masters together) and the PGTs in administration Cadre would be 1:4. As
a consequence of this the promotions/appointments made to the post of
Vice Principals and Principals by the order dated September 7, 1976
contrary to the said ratio is quash. The Delhi administration shall wo.rk D
out the promotions arresh to the made to the post or Vice Principle/Principal from Amongst the PGTs, in the Manner and in accordance with the
ratio stated above. But it is made clear that those incumbents who were
promoted by virtue of the judgment of the Division Bench and are affected
by this order/judgment they will have to be reverted but no recoveries for
E
the difference of salaries, etc. shall be made from them. [659·C·D] ·
4. Those Incumbents who have since retired or have died after
retirement are found entitled to auy benefit by our decision the same shall
be considered by the respondents Nos. 1 to 4 and the benefits, if any, be
worked out and paid to their nominees or legal representatives as the case
may be. (659-E]
CIVIL APPELLATE JURISDICTION : Civil Appeal No. 2824 of
1984 etc.
F
G
From the Judgment and. Order dated 27.5.83 of the Delhi High Court
in C.W. No. 503 of 1974.
WITH
Civil Appeal No .. 2825 of 1984.
H
642
SUPREME COURT REPORTS (1994] SUPP. 2 S.C.R.
A
From the Judgment and Order dated 27.5.83 of the Delhi High Court
in LP.A. No. 204 of 1981.
R.K. Jain, N.N. Goswami, Ms. Indu Malhotra, A. Khatri, T.C. Sharma and R. Sharma for the Appellants.
B
S.C. Gupta, K. LahirL A.K. Sharma, S.N. Terdol and C.V. S. Rao,
for the Respondents.
The Judgment of the Court was deliYered by
FAIZAN UDDIN, J. 1. Both the appeals are being disposed of by a
C common judgment as they arise out of the same judgment passed by the
Delhi High Court in LPA No. 204/81 decided on May 27, 1983 alongwith
Writ Petition No. 503/74 and (c) Writ Petition No. 1450/81. In both the
appeals the question raised is with regard to the seniority and promotion
of various categories of teachers presently serving in the Delhi AdministraD tion but some of whom were previously employed as teachers in Middle
and Higher Secondary Schools which were being ·run by the Municipal
Corporation of Delhi.
E
F
G
2. A brief resume. of the facts giving rise to these two appeals may
be< stated thus : -
Prior to July 1, 1970 Post Graduate Teachers (in short PGT) in the
pay scale of Rs. 275-550 and Trained Graduate Teachers ( in short TGT)
in the pay scale of Rs. 190-425 were employed in the Higher Secondary
Schools run by the Government. Besides, these Government Higher Secondary School Ml!nicipal of Delhi also used to run several Middle and Higher
Secondary Schools with the categories of teachers as follows :
I.
TGT (Middle)
Rs. 175 - 350
II.
TGT ( Higher Secondary)
Rs. 190 - 425
III.
Headmasters of Middle School
Rs 220 - 470
IV.
PGT
Rs. 275 - 550
3. Since the Mnnicipal Corporation of Delhi was not inclined to
continue to run the schools, Delhi Administration came forward with a
H proposal to take over the Middle and Higher Secondary Schools run by
K.C.GUPTAv. LT.GOVERNOR OF DELHI [FAIZANUDDIN,J.]
643
the Corporation on the terms and conditions mentioned in the letter dated A
April 20, 1970 sent by the Additional Secretary, Delhi Administration to
the Commissioner, Delhi Municipal Corporation stating that the acceptance of the terms and conditions by the Municipal Corporation and that
of the staff to be absorbed by the Delhi Administration be communicated
to the Delhi Administration so that the transfer of the schools run by the B
Municipal Corporation may take place with effect from May 1, 1970.
Consequently, in response to the said letter ofthe Additional Secretary,
Delhi Administration, the Municipal Corporation, Delhi passed a resolution on MaY. 12, 1970 to close down the Higher Secondary and Middle
Schools run by the Corporation on transfer of the staff employed in the C
said schools to the Delhi Administration with effect from May 1, 1970
accepting the terms and conditions embodied in the letter of the Delhi
Administration dated April 20, 1970 referred to above. All the employees
of the Corporation who were to be absorbed by Delhi Administration also
accepted the terms and conditions of the service for absorption. For some
reasons take over of the Municipal schools could not be effected on May D
1, 1970 as per resolution of the Municipal Corporation and the schools
could be taken over only on July 1, 1970. The Lt. Governor, Delhi with the
prior sanction of the President of India issued a notification dated May 27,
1970 for general information that the decision has been taken to take over
the Middle (classes Vland VIIJ) and Higher Secondary (Classes VI and E
XI) Schools from the Municipal Corporation, Delhi with effect from July
1, 1970.In pursuance of the resolution of the Municipal Corporation and
the notification of the Lt. Governor the services of all the teachers serving
in the schools run by the Municipal Corporation were transferred to Delhi
Administration on the terms and condition contained in the letter dated p
April 20, 1970.
4. According to the terms and conditions on which the Corporation
schools were taken over, all the employees of the said schools which were
taken over from the Municipal Corporation were to be absorbed in the G
services of Delhi Administration to be placed in a separate cadre and
designated as 'Special Cadre' and regarded as diminishing cadre. According to the said terms the employees of the Education Department, Delhi
Administration were designated as 'Administration Cadre' probably with a
view to identify the employees of the two sources under the Delhi Administration.
H
644
SUPREME COURT REPORTS (1994] SUPP. 2 S.C.R.
A
5.' The terms and conditions of the take over and agreed upon
B
c
D
E
F
G
H
between the Municipal Corporation and the Delhi Administration which
are relevant for the purposes of decision of these appeals relating to
seniority and promotions read as follows :·
4. "NUMBER OF POSTS IN THE SPECIAL CADRE
The Special Cadre for the absorbed employees from the Delhi
Municipal Corporation shall be a diminishing one. The number of
posts in various categories of the Special Cadre shall be regulated
in the following manner: -
(a) The required number of posts will be created for the employees
from the Delhi Municipal Corporation to be absorbed by the Delhi
Administration .
(b) Any additional post subsequently created for any school or
class so taken over from the Delhi Municipal Corporation shall be
borne on the Administration cadre in its appropriate category and
shall not constitute a part of the Special Cadre.
( c) Any post in the Special Cadre falling vacant in any scho<ll or
class taken over from the Delhi Municipal Corporation, as a result
of normal incidence of promotion, retirement, death, dismissal or
any other cause, may either be abolished or filled up from the
Special Cadre or Delhi Administration Cadfe, as per rules of
promotion.
( d) A member of the Special Cadre when appointed to a higher
post either by promotion or by direct recruitment shall cease to
be borne on the Special Cadre, and shall become a member of the
administration Cadre, his seniority in . the Administration being
determined according to the normal rules on the matter.
5. SENIORITY:
The seniority of any employee in the Special Cadre, as fixed in
the Delhi Municipal Corporation before his absorption in the
Delhi Administration, will not be disturbed. Where a seniority list
i~ not in existence, such a list will be drawn up on accordance with
the rules for the determination of seniority in force in the Delhi
K.C. OUPTAv. LT.GOVERNOROFDELHl[FAIZANUDDIN,J.]
645
/
Municipal Corpora:ion immediately before the absorption.
A
11. PROMOTION
1... ....... .
2 .......... .
(3) PROMOTION TO THE POST OF VICE-PRINCIPAL (350650)/PRINCIPAL (425-900).
B
The promotion quota for the promotion to the post of VicePrincipal (350-650)/Principal ( 425-900) from the post PG Ts will be C
fixed separately for the Special Cadre and the Administration
Cadre, in proportion to the number of PGTs in the respective
cadres as calculated on the last day of the last academic session.
(4) PROMOTION TO THE POST OF PGTs (275-550):
D
The promotion quota for the promotion to the post of PGTs
(275-550) from the posts of Headmasters (220-470), TGTs/Language Teachers (190-425) will be fixed separately for the Headmasters in the Special Cadre, and the TGTs/Language Teachers
(190-425) in the Administration Cadre, in proportion to the respecE
tive number as calculated on the last date of the last academic
session.
(7) PROMOTION TO THE POST OF TGTs. LANGUAGE
TEACHERS (190-425):
F
Seniormost TGTs will be considered for promotion to the post
of TGT (190-425) in the promotion to the post of TGT (190-425)
in the Higher Secondary Schools to the extent of 40% of
vacant/new pdsts of TGTs in the scale of Rs. 190-425. The rest of G
the TGT posts (190-425) will continue to be filled by direct recruitment and promotion as<hitherto."
6. On the last day of the academic session of the year of take over
i.e. 30.4.1970 the strength of the relevant category of teachers in the Special
Cadre and the Administration Cadre was as under :
H
A
B
c
D
E
F
646
SUPREME COURT REPORTS [1994] SUPP. 2 S.C.R.
Category
Admn. Special Cadre
A. TGTs (Trained Graduate Teachers)
4209
181
Higher Secondary Schools -
Scale Rs. 190-425
B. PGTs (Post Graduate Teachers)
2126
98
Scale Rs. 275-550
c. TGTs - Middle Schools
Nil
2641
Scale Rs. 175-350
D. Head Masters Middle Schools
Nil
413
Scale Rs. 220 - 470
E. School Inspectors
Nil
35
The ratio of the aforesaid two categories for the purposes of promotion
worked out on the aforesaid figures would be as under :
(a) TGTs Admn. Cadre
21
(b) PGTs in Admn. Cadre
23
TGTs Sp!.
1
PGTs in Sp!. Cadre
1
7. Some of the teachers belonging to the Delhi Administration Cadre
challenged the take over of the Municipal Corporation schools, the terms
and conditions for taking over contained in the letter dated 20.4. 70 as well
as the quota fixed between the administration Cadre and Special Cadre,
in Civil Writ Petition No. 1010 of 1971 which was dismissed by a Division
Bench of the Delhi High Court by Judgment dated 30.7.1973, expressing
the view that there was no infirmity in the principle on which the take over
of the schools was effected.
8. Thereafter the President revised the pay scales of the Principals,
G Vice-Principals, Post graduate Teachers and Trained Graduate Teachers,
etc. of the Higher Secondary schools vide order dated 18.9.1970 of the
Assistant Secretary to the Government of India, Ministry of Education,
New Delhi. These revised pay scales were brought in force with retrospective effect from 27.5.1970. According to this revision of pay scales the TGTs
(Middle) whose scale of pay was 175 - 350 and the TGTs (Higher SeconH dary) whose pay scale was 190-425 both were merged together in one cadre
KC. GUPTAv. LT.GOVERNOR OFDELHI[FAIZANUDDIN,J.]
647
and were given unified revised pay scale of Rs. 220-500. The existing A
pay-scales of the Headmasters of the Middle Schools was Rs. 220-470
which was revised to Rs. 300-600 and the PGTs whose existing pay scale
was Rs. 275-550 was also revised to Rs. 300-600. On the basis of the
aforesaid revision of pay scales of the TGTs (Middle) and TGTs (Higher
Secondary) as both were placed in one unified scale a change of proportion
of ratio/quota between the Administration Cadre and Special Cadre, was B
worked out by the Delhi Administration.
9. Before the schools were taken over and the same were being run
the Municipal Corporation the next promotion for the TGT (Middle was
to the post of TGT (Higher Secondary) for the reason that the former were C
in a lower pay scale. By reason of the order dated 18.9.1970 which was
issued after the take over but made effective retrospectively from 27.5.1970
the TGT (Middle) and the TGT (Higher Secondary) both were placed in
a unified common scale of pay of Rs. 220-500 and, therefore, there was no
question of promotion of TGT (Middle) to the post of TGT (Higher D
Second~ry) as the scale of both became one. Similarly before the take over
the Headmasters of the Middle schools who were in the lower grade used
to be promoted as PGT who were in the higher grade. But due to the order
dated 18.9.1970 which was brought into force with effect from 27.5.1970 the
pay scales of Headmasters and PGTs both were also made the same. But
since there was no cadre of Head Masters in the Delhi Administration and E
they were absorbed in Delhi Administraticin, their designation and salaries
in the corporation service were protected, till the time that cadre exhausted
vide condition No. 9-B (ii) of the Takeover rules.
F
10. After the revision of the pay scales as aforesaid and consequent
unification of various categories of teachers, the Chief Secretary, Delhi
Administration under the authority of Lt. Governor took administrative
decision on 22.10.1970 in regard to the seniority and promotions of various
categories in Administration Cadre and the Special Cadre. '.Having regard
to the previous history of various categories and their pay scale and both G
of them having been placed in the same grade by order dated 18.9.1970,.
the Chief Secretary took the decision that the PGT will rank senior to the
Headmaster aI)-d similarly, both the categories of TGTs from Municipal
Corporation, Delhi (Middle and Higher Secondary Teachers) will be
placed in the same panel but the TGTs of Higher Secondary School will H
648
SUPREME COURT REPORTS [1994] SUPP. 2 S.C.R.
A rank senior to the TGT of the Middle schools. Keeping in view the strength
of each Cadre the Chief Secretary worked out the ratio of 1 : 4 for
promotion to the higher post from amongst the PGTs - Headmasters of
Special Cadre and PGTs of Administration Cadre. As regards the future
promotion from amongst the TGT Administration Cadre and TGT Special
u
Cadre the Chief Secretary fixed the promotion ratio as 2 : 3 on the basis
of perspective strength of each as it existed on the date of take over. The
Chief Secretary also took the decision that the Head Masters of Middle ~
Schools of corporations have become surplus and therefore those who
possess qualification of M.A. will be promoted to the post of PGT and
C those who ~o not held M.A. degree they will work as TGT but they will
be entitled to the revised scale of Rs. 300 - 600.
11. It appears that after the revision of pay scales by order dated
18.9.1970 and the aforesaid decision of the Chief Secretary, the administration authorities have second thought to the decision of the Chief Secretary
D dated 22.10.1970 referred to above fixing the promotion quota/ratio. Consequently on June 30, 1974 the Administration issued a circular introducing
separate quota for PGTs and headmasters in the Special Cadre for promotion to the post of Vice-Principal/Principal. Whereby the ratio of 1:4
between PGTs Special Cadre and Administration Cadre of fixed by the
Chief Secretary, was also disturbed by including PGTs working on ad hoc
E basis in the list of Administration Cadre. But by a subsequent circular
issued on December 24, 1974 the special quota to the Headmasters was
withdrawn. Till the end of December, 1974 no quota was fixed in the
Common Panel of PG Ts and Headmasters of the Special Cadre. Some of,
the members of the Special Cadre filed Civil Writ Petition No. 151/76 -Des.
F Raj & Ors. v. Delhi Administration & Ors., for the implementation of the
decision of Chief Secretary, Delhi Administration dated 22.10.1970, challenging the. circular dated 13.6.1974 whereby the ratio was disturbed and
separate q11ota was fixed for the Headmasters. But the said petition was
withdrawn on 19.5.1977 on the assurance given by the counsel appearing
for the Delhi Administration that grievances of the petitioners of that
G petition would be considered within two months.
12. But instead of considering the grievances within two months
accordance with the assurance, the Delhi Administration issued another ·
circular laying down equation of posts and promotion ratio for the year
H 1974-75 and 1975-76, flXing the strength of Administration Cadre and
•
K.C. GUPTA v. LT. GOVERNOR OF DELHI [FAIZAN UDDIN, J.]
649
Special Cadre on year to .year basis and a new ratio was fixed for each year / A
separately. A copy of the said circular is annexed as Annexure 7 in Civil
Appeal No. 2825/84. Not only this but by another circular dated May 26,
1976 the special quota for the Headmaster and the strength of the cadreAdministration and Special, was again fixed on year to year basis with a
new ratio each year separately. Thereafter, on September 7, 1976, fourteen B
PGTs were promoted on ad hoc from the Administration Cadre and again
seventeen PGTs from Administration Cadre were promoted to the post of
said Principal from Administration Cadre cin the basis of said circular
dated May 26, 1976. Being aggrieved by the aforesaid appointments and
circulars laying down equation of posts and promotion ratio for the years
1974-75 and 1975-76 fixing the strength of each cadre, Administration and C
Special on year to year basis on a new ratio and promotion of PGTs from
the Administration Cadre as Vice- Principals and Principals, the appellants
who were working as PGTs in the Higher Secondary Schools before take
over filed the Civil Writ Petition No. 1206/76 in the Delhi High Court which
was disposed of by the learned Single Judge by Judgment dated 16.12.80. D
While allowing the writ petition the learned Single Judge took the view that
the decision taken by the Chief Secretary on 22.10.1970 was rational and
reasonable, and the Administration was not empowered to make a change
in the said decision. The learned Single Judge, therefore, held as under :
(1) That the Delhi Administration has no authority in law to lay down
the rules or administrative instructions in regard to the first promotion less
favourable to PGTs of the Corporation service.
(2) In combined panel/cadre for PGTs and Headmasters the PGTs
rank en-block senior to the Headmasters.
(3) Till the time original cadre of PG Ts (in the Corporation service)
is exhausted, no Headmaster can be considered for promotion to the post
of Vice Principal/Principal.
E
F
( 4) The ratio for promotion to the Special Cadre (PG Ts and HeadG
masters together) and the PGTs in administration Cadre is 1 : 4. Appointment to the post Vice-Principal/principal made on 7.9.1976 should have
been made only be the basis of the said ratio of 1 : 4.
13. On these findings the learned Single Judge quashed the order of
the Joint Director of Education (Administration) dated 26.5.76 and H
650
SUPREME COURT REPORTS (1994] SUPP. 2 S.C.R.
A
directed the Delhi Administration to re\iew and reconsider the promotions
made on 7-9-1976 by two orders, in the light of the principles stated abo\'e
within two months from the date of the said decision after gi,ing hearing
to the petitioners and the teachers promoted by the two orders.
14. As said earlier due to the re,·ision of pay scales by order dated
B
18.9.70 brough't into force retrospecti,·ely with effect from 27.5.70 the TGTs
(Middle) we;e merged with the grade ofTGT (Higher Secondary) and one
unified scale for both was made as a result of which the ratio between
Administration Cadre and Special Cadre which was originally worked out
as 21: 1 came down to 3:2 due to the increase in the number of TGTs of a
C Special Cadre by merger of TGTs (Middle) in TGT (Higher) for the
purpose of common scale of Rs. 220-500. The TGTs Administration Cadre
felt that this change of ratio adversely effected their future prospects of
promotion to higher post and, therefore, they filed Civil Writ Petition No.
503/74 in Delhi High Court. The members of the Administration Cadre
also filed Civil Writ Petition No. 1405/81 K.C. Vashist v. Lt. (Jovemor, in
D Delhi High Court, claiming that the Headmasters belonging to the Special
Cadre be included in the Administration Cadre.
E
15. The judgment and order of the learned Single Judge dated
16.12.80 passed in Civil Writ Petition No. 1206/76 was also challenged in
LPA No. 204/81 in the Delhi High Court. Civil Writ Petition No. 503174
and Civil Writ Petition No. 1450/81 as well as LPA No. 204/81 were clubbed
together, heard and disposed of by a common judgment dated 27.5.83 by
the Division Bench of the Delhi High Court. The Division Bench held that
the TGTs of the Middle school who looked forward for promotion to TGTs
F
of the Higher Schools by simple merger of the pay scales can not be
permitted to seek fixation of seniority on the basis of length of service in
the lower grade and that TGTs of Middle Schools en-block be treated as
junior to TGTs higher of the Special Cadre as length of service of TGTs
(middle) had to be counted from the date of merger of the pay scales i.e.
G with effect from 27.5.70 as prior to that date they were altogether in lower
grade and could not get themselves equated with the TGTs Higher. The
Division Bench also held that since the Headmaster of the Municipal
Corporation Schools were on a lower pay scale and looked forward for
promotion to the post of PGTs and, therefore, the Headmasters could not
claim seniority merely on the basis of length of service when they worked
H as Headmasters and their service as equivalent to PGTs should be treated
•
K.C.GUPTAv. LT.GOVERNOROFDELHI [FAIZANUDDIN,J.]
651
as such only from the day the two scales became equal i.e. with effect from A
27.5.70. With regards to a TGTs who were in the High Court grade in the
Municipal Corporation and the TGTs in the Administration Cadre, the
Division Bench took the \iew that certain proportion has to be worked out
every year and the proportion should not be freezed as held by the learned
Single Judge in Ci,il Writ Petition No. 1206/76 on the reasoning that the B
TGTs (Higher Secondary) who were in the said cadre in April, 1970 and
were actually dra\\1ng that pay scale \\ill continue to have the benefit of
their proportionate quota for promotion as decided in the take over rules
and thus the benefit of this proportionate promotion \\ill be available to
only those TGTs who were in the scale of TGTs higher grade in April,
1970. On overall consideration of the facts and circumstances of the case C
Division Bench ultimately recorded its conclusions as under :
(1) That the proportion that must be worked out between the TGTs
(Higher Grade) of the Administration Cadre and the Special Cadre will
be worked out on the respective strength as it existed on 30.4. 70. In this
principle all Special Cadre TGTs (Middle) whose grades were revised with D
effect from 27.5.70 will be included. The proportion, of course, will be
worked out every year and not frozen as in April, 1970, because otherwise
not to take stock of the existing situation but to freeze, it will work great
hardship and also give lopsided advantage.
(2) The Headmasters belonging to the Special Cadre will be treated
and continue to belong to the. Special Cadre. The claim of the Administration Cadre in this regard is rejected. In the Special Cadre promotions to
the Post of Vice-principaJ/Principals have to be made both from Headmasters as well as PGTs. For this purpose, however, the promotion will be
given in accordance with the respective strength of Headmasters and the
PGTs Cadre separately. The Headmaster should not be placed for the
purposes of promotion en-block junior to the PGTs of the Special Cadre
as held by the Learned Single Judge.
E
F
(3) The date for calculating the respective strength will be done at G
the end of each academic session which means - April of every year and
not frozen as was in April, 1970, as has been done by the learned Single
Judge.
16. Being aggrieved by the aforesaid decision of the Division Bench
dated 27.5.83 the TGT (Middle) and the TGTs (Higher Secondary H
652
SUPREME COURT REPORTS [1994] SUPP. 2 S.C.R.
A Schools) belonging to the Special Cadre have filed Civil Appeal No.
2824/84 which arises out of C.W. No. 503 of 1974 and the PGTs working
in the Higher Secondary Schools, Delhi Administration but who were
previously working as PGTs in Higher Secondary Schools, Municipal Corporation, Delhi before 1.7.70 have also filed Civil Appeal No. 2825/84
B against the same judgment of the Division Bench dated 27.5.83. This is how
these two appeals have been preferred against the same judgment passed
in LPA by the Division Bench of the Delhi High Court.
17. Learned counsel appearing for the appellants in Civil Appeal No.
2824/84 filed jointly by TGTs Middle and Higher Secondary whose scales
C were merged and unified with effect from 27.5.70, assailed the findings and
conclusions recorded by the Division Bench that the TGTs of Middle
Schools cannot seek fixation of their seniority on the basis of length of their
service in the lower grade and that length of service of the TGTs Middle
Schools had to be counted only from the date of merger of the pay scale
D i.e. with effect from 27.5. 70, which is contrary to the rules governing the
take over which are only prospective intended to operate from the date of
take over i.e. 1.7.70. It was contended that th.e Division Bench of the High
Court committed an error in holding that the TGTs Middle will count their
seniority"in the TGTs Higher Secondary with effect from 27.5.70 and will
be treated e11-block junior to TGTs higher of the Special Cadre, ignoring
E the fact that it was prior to 1.7.70 {the date of take over) that the two grades
of TGTs Middle and TGTs Higher were merged and integrated into one
and them ·Same grade with effect from 27.5.70 and, therefore, they were
entitled to the fixation of their inter se seniority with reference to their date
of initial appointment as Trained Graduate Teachers. and said seniority was
F
protected under the very terms and conditions of take over. It was further
submitted that the rules of take over provide for fixation of strength with
effect from the beginning of the next academic session with reference to
the position as on the last date of the academic session of the year in which
the absorption ,took .. place and, therefore, the crucial date >yas 30.4.71 and
not 30.4.70 as held by the High Court. The learned counsel strenuously
G urged that this position should have been accepted by the Division Bench
of the High Court which rendered the judgment in LP A specially when
there was no grievance made by any of the Trained Graduate Teachers
{Higher Secondary) of the Special Cadre and the TGTs of the Administration Cadre had no locus standi whatsoever to challengCf'the inter se seniority
H or' the Special Cadre. It was, therefore, urged that the High Court was
K.C.GUPTAv. LT. GOVERNOROFDELHI[FAIZANUDDIN,J.]
653
wrong in holding that the TGTs Middle will count their seniority as TGTs A
Higher Secondary only with effect from 27.5.70. After giving serious consideration to the aforementioned submissions and on perusal of the rules
of take over and the impugned judgment of the Division Bench rendered
in this LPA we find that there is absolutely no substance in any of the
aforesaid submissions made by the learned counsel for the appellants.
18. The claim of the appellants for foration of their inter se seniority
with reforence to their initial appointment as TGTs is not supportable on
any justifiable basis. It may be noted that prior to the merger and integraB
tion of the two scales of the TGTs, the TGTs Middle were in a lower pay
scale of Rs. 175-350 while TGT Higher Secondary were in a higher pay C
scale of Rs. 190- 425 and both were revised to the pay scale of 220-500.
That apart the TGTs in lower grade were recruited and appointed to teach
Middle classes while the TGTs Higher were recruited and appointed to
teach higher classes in th High Court Secondary Schools. The incumbents
of the lower grade were used to be promoted to the higher grade for the D
two Cadres were not common as the teaching upto Middle class~s and
teaching the Higher classes could not be treated to be one and the same
function. Thus the posts of TGTs (Middle) and TGTs (Higher) were
created separately with distinct cadre and scales for different work in
Municipal Schools - Lower Cadre for teaching lower classes and the
Higher Cadre for teaching higher classes. The claim of the TGTs Middle E
on the unification of the two pay scales that their seniority should be
counted from the date of their initial appointment on the basis of length
of service to the post of TGT is not justified because in that even some of
them may even become senior to the members of the Administration Cadre
of that category who are or were working as TGT High Court much before p
the date of unification of the scales. It may also be pointed out that by
accepting the seniority of the TGTs Middle on the basis of their length of
'
service there may be occasions wben they may get a chance of promotion
over their senior in the Administration Cadre who are working as TGTs
since much longer a period than the TGT Middle who since much longer
a period than the TGT Middle who were in lower grade which·was equated G
with the grade of TGT (higher) only with effect from 27.5.70. This sitilation
would certainly be detrimental to the interest of TGTs on the Administration Cadre and would cause great injustice to them.
19. The contention of the TGTs (Mid.die) that they should be treated H
654
SUPREME COURT REPORTS [1994] SUPP. 2 S.C.R.
A
at par with the TGTs (Higher) on the merger of the two grades/pay scales
on the principle of seniority in accordance with the length of service is also
not supportable from the terms and conditions of the takeover. Term No.
5 reproduced in early part of this judgment and which relates to 'Seniority'
militate· against the claim advanced by the appellants and clearly
B
demolishes the contention. It contemplates that "the seniority of any
employee in the Special Cadre, as fixed in Delhi Municipal Corporation
before hi.s absorption in Delhi Administration, wilJ not be disturbed and
where a seniority list is not in existence, such list will be drawn up in
accordance with the rule for the determination of seniority in force in the
C Delhi Municipal Corporation immediately before the absorption." This
term cert&inly cannot be interpreted to mean that on employee belonging
to a lower grade/scale of pay when merged to a higher grade/scale of pay
to which he originally did not belong, he would be entitled to claim
seniority or a status at par with the employee of the higher grade on the
D basis of length of his service when he was not at all in that grade.