Supreme Court of India
REPRESENTED BY ITS PRINCIPAL SECRETARY & ORS.versusSTATE OF TAMIL NADU
- Citation
- 2016 INSC 1016
- Decided
- 9 November 2016
- Disposal
- Disposed off
- Bench
- SHIVA KIRTI SINGH
Holding
The State Government is empowered under Clause 9 of the NCTE Guidelines and constitutional provisions to grant a 5% relaxation in TET for reserved categories, and such relaxation does not constitute an unlawful alteration of selection criteria, is not barred by estoppel, and the weightage system is valid.
Summary
The case concerned the Tamil Nadu Government's decision to relax the qualifying marks in the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) by 5% for candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, and other disadvantaged groups. The petitioners challenged the relaxation on grounds of lack of statutory authority, estoppel, and alleged alteration of selection criteria after the recruitment process had begun. The Supreme Court examined the competence of the State under Clause 9 of the NCTE Guidelines, the constitutional provisions on reservation and equality, and the doctrine of estoppel. It held that the State was empowered to grant the relaxation as an affirmative action measure, that such relaxation did not constitute an unlawful change in the selection process, and that the weightage system for academic performance was valid. Consequently, the Court set aside the Madurai High Court judgment, affirmed the Madras High Court decision, and allowed the State's appeal while dismissing the petitioners' appeals.
Issues considered
- Whether the State Government has the competence to grant a 5% relaxation in the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) and whether such relaxation is legally justified.
- Whether the State Government is estopped from granting the relaxation having earlier taken a categorical stand against it.
- Whether the relaxation of 5% marks in TET amounts to a change in the selection criteria after the selection process had commenced.
- Whether the prescription of 40% weightage for academic performance in the selection process is arbitrary and violative of constitutional principles.
Legislation cited
- Constitution of Indias. Article 14, s. Article 15(1), s. Article 16(1), s. Article 162, s. Article 16(4), s. Article 309, s. Article 335
- Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009s. 23(1), s. 23(2)
- Tamil Nadu Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2011
Subjects
Teacher Eligibility TestRelaxation of marksReservationAffirmative actionEstoppelSelection criteriaNCTE GuidelinesRight to EducationEqualityPublic policy
Judgment
[2016] 9 S.C.R. 835
V. LAVANYA & ORS. A
v.
STATE OF TAMIL NADU
REPRESENTED BY ITS PRINCIPAL SECRETARY & ORS.
(Civil Appeal No. 10700of2016) B
NOVEMBER 09, 2016
[SHIVA KIRTI SINGH A~D R. BANUMATHI, JJ.]
Service Law:
Selection - Selection Criteria - National Cou,ncil for Teacher
c
Education (J!CTE) Guidelines for conducting Teacher Eligibility
Test (TET) - Appoint111ent of Secondary Grade Teachers and B. T.
Assistants in the State of Ta111il Nadu - State Govern111ent granted
relaxation of 5% marks in TET to candidates belonging to SC, ST.
Backward Classes, De-notified Communities and Person with D
Disability etc. - Challenged - Contradiction in decisions of the
Madras Bench and Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court -
The Madras Bench_dismissed the writ appeals and writ petitions
· challenging the policy decision of the Government whereas, the
Madurai Bench quashed the relaxation given to the reserved
category candidates - On appeal, held: The framers of the NCTE E
guidelines took note of the huge socio-economic disparity existing
in the nation and accordingly, by virtue of clause 9 of NCTE
guidelines enabled the respective State Government/authorities to •
provide relaxation to the candidates belonging to socially backward
classes - Therefore, State Governi11e.nt cannot be faulted for F
discharging its constitutional obligation for upliftment of socially
and economically backward communities by providing 5% rela~ation
to candidates belonging to reserve category - It was an affirmative
action taken by State Government granting relaxation for TET and
hence the view taken by the Madurai Bench is not sustainable -
Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 - G
s.23 - Constitution of India - Arts. J 4, 15,, 16, 335.
Estoppel - Selection of Teachers - Relaxation of qualifying
marks for Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) - In the earlier round of
litigation, Govern111ent of Tamil Nadutook-a stand that it would_. nor
grant relaxation of 111arks in TET - Plea of appellants that H
835
836 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2016] 9 S.C.R.
A Government cannot approbate and reprobate at the same time by
changing its stand - Held: It is well settled that there can be no
question of estoppel against the Government in the exercise of its
legislative, sovereign or executive powers - It is a matter of State
policy to frame and prescribe selection norins with regard to services
and posts connected with the affairs of the State - Courts cannot
B
interfere with the policy decisions of the State especially when the
policy decision is taken in public interest to further the advancement
of reserved categories - Constitution of India - Art. 162 and proviso
to Art.309.
Selection - Of teachers - State Government provided
c relaxation of 5% marks in TET for candidates belonging to socially
backward classes and the under privileged, after the selection
process of teachers had commenced - Plea of appellants that it
resulted in altering the criteria of selection after the commencement
of selection process - Held: State Government had not changed the
D rules of selection insofar as appellants were concerned - State
Government merely widened the ambit of TET so as to reach out to
those candidates belonging to the deprived section of the society
who were not able to compete - It is ji-ee to take such actions suitable
to the socio-economic conditions prevalent in the State - It was in
the interest of reserved category candidates so that more candidates
E
can take part in the selection process - Therefore, this did not amount
to change in the selection after the selection process commenced.
Allowing the appeal by the State Government and
dismissing tl!e appeal by unsuccessful candidates, the Court
F HELD:
Point No. 1: Whether the State Government has the
competence to give relaxation of 5% marks in Teacher Eligibility
Test (TET) and whether such relaxation provided by the State
Government by G.0.(Ms.) No.25 dated 06.02.2014 is legally
G justified?
1.1 Clause No.9 of NCTE Guideline vests a discretion in
the School Managements (State Government, Local Bodies,
Government aided and un-aided) to grant relaxation/concessions
to persons belonging to SC/ST, OBC, differently-abled persons
etc. in accordance with their extant reservation policy. Clause
H
V. LAVANYA v. STATE OF TAMIL NADU REPRESENTED BY 837
ITS PRINCIPAL SECRETARY
No. 9(a) clearly empowers the State Government/S~hool A
Managements/Local Bodies to grant such relaxation. Further,
Constitution of India has made adequate enabling provisions
empowering the State to promote reservation/concessions.
Special provisions are made for advancement of the socially and
economically backward classes. These provisions will bring out
B
the contents of equality of opportunity guaranteed under Articles
14, 15 (1), 16 (1) of the Constitution of India by creating equal
level-playing field. Therefore, Preferential treatment or
concessions granted to SC/ST, backward classes, physically
handicapped and denotified communities is within the concept of
equality. Grant of relaxation is for the upliftment of Scheduled c
Castes and Scheduled Tribes and other backward communities..
[Paras 21, 23 and 24](854-B-C, G-H; 855-A, C-D]
1.2 The idea behind laying down NCTE Guidelines for
conducting TET was to bring about uniformity and certainty in
the standards and quality of education being imparted to the D
students across the nation. However,·at the same time the framers
of the guidelines took note of the huge socio-economic disparity
existing in the nation a_\ld accordingly, by virtue of Clause No. 9
enabled the respective state governments/authorities to provide
relaxation to the candidates belonging to socially backward
classes. Such a provision is in line with the principles.ensh·rined E
in the Constitution. State Government cannot be faulted for
discharging its constitutional obligation of upliftment of socially
and economically backward Communities by providing 5%
relaxation to candidates belonging to Scheduled Caste, Schedule
Tribes, Backward Classes, Backward Classes (Muslim), Most F
Backward Classes, De-notified Communities and P~rsons with
Disability (PWD). [Para 25)(856-D-F)
1.3 Granting relaxation to SC/ST, OBC, physically
handicapped and de-notified communities. is in furtherance of the
constitutional obligation of the State to the under-privileged and G
create an equal level-playing field. After referring to clause 9 of
the NCTE Guidelines, the Madras High Court rightly held that
the Government of Tamil Nadu has acted in exercise of the powers
conferred under clause 9 of the Guidelines issued by the NCTE.
Madurai Bench was not right in quashing GO.(Ms.) No.25 dated
H
838 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2016] 9 S.C.R.
A 06.02.2014 on the ground that such rela'Xation "bllsed upon tile
theory of socilll justice is llctu(l//y destructive of tlte very /(Ibric of
tlte.soci(I/ justice". The judgment of the Madurai Bench has not.
kept in view the constitutional obligation of the State to provide
equal level-playing field to the ·under p~ivileged. In consonance
with the M. Nagar(lj case, an affirmative action taken by State
B
Government granting relaxation for TET would not amount to
dilution of standards and hence the view taken by the Madurai
Bench is not sustainable and is liable to be set aside.[Para 27)(858-
C-F]
M Nagaraj and Ors. v. Union of India & Ors. (2006) 8
c SCC 212 : 2006 (7) Suppl. SCR 336; State of Madhya
Pradesh and Am: " Kumari Nivedita Jain and Others
(1981) 4 SCC 296 : 1982 (1) SCR 759; Vikas Sankhala
and Ors. v. Vikas Kumar Agarwal and Ors. Etc. (2016)
10 SCALE 163 - relied on.
D K. Manjushree v. State of Andhra Pradesh and Anr.
(2008) 3 SCC 512 : 2008 (2) SCR 1025; Hemani
Malhotra v. High Court of Delhi (2008) 7 SCC 11 :
2008 (5) SCR 1066 - referred to.
Point No. 2: Whether the State Government is estopped
E from granting relaxation?
2.1 In the earlier round of litigation Government of Tamil
Nadu took a categorical stand that they would not compromise
on the quality of the teachers. After referring to the said stand
of the State Government, Madurai Bench observed that the State
F Government is not justified in retracting from its earlier stand.
On behalf of the appellants much reliance was placed upon the
earlier stand of the Government to contend that when the
Government had earlier taken the stand that it would not grant
relaxation of marks for TET pass and dilute the standards of
G education, the Government cannot approbate and reprobate at
the same time by changing its stand. [Para 28)(858-G-H; 859-A-
B]
2.2 It is a matter of State policy to frame and prescribe
selection norms with regard to services and posts connected with
the affairs of the State. It is well-settled that courts cannot
H
V. LAVANYA v. STATE OF TAMIL NADU REPRESENTED BY 839
ITS PRINCIPAL SECRETARY
interfere with the policy decisions of the State especially when A
the policy decision is taken in public interest to further the
advancement of reserved categories. A policy decision taken by
the State in exercise of its jurisdiction under Article 162 of the
Constitution of India is subservient oniy _to the mandate of the .
constitutional provisions and the recruitment rules framed by the
B
State itself, either in terms of a legislative act or an executive
order. The relaxation provided by the State Government and
criteria of selection laid down vide impugned government orders
are in exercise of the powers provided under the proviso to Article
309 of the Constitution of India and being a policy decision in
terms of its extant reservation policy cannot be impeached on c
the ground that the relaxation has been given to suit some specific
class of individuals.[Para 29)(859-D-F]
2.3 It is now well settled by a catena of decisions that there
can be no question of estoppels against the Government in the
exercise of its legislative, sovereign or executive powers. The D
view taken by Madurai Bench as regards the stand of the
Government to relax the norms allegedly in contradiction to its
earlier stand is not sustainable in law. [Para 30)(859-D-H]
Excise Co111111issioner U.P., Allahabad v. Ram Kumar
(1976) 3 sec 540 : 1976 Suppl.. SCR 535; M. E
. Ramanatha Pillai v. State of Kera/a and Am: (1973} 2
SCC 650 : 1974 (1) SCR 515 - relied on.
Point No. 3: Whether providing relaxation of 5% marks in
TET amounts to change in the criteria of selection of teachers
after the selection process commenced? F
3.1 The purpose of relaxation was to increase the
participation of candidates belonging to backward classes in
State's pool of teachers. The State Government merely widened
the ambit of TET so as to reach out to those candidates belonging
to the deprived section of the society who were not able to G
compete, inspite of possessing good academic records and
qualifications. The change brought about in the selection criteria
is Government's prerogative. In terms of their extant reservation
policy, the State Government is free to take actions suitable to
the socio-economic conditions prevalent in the State, especially
H
840 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2016] 9 S.C.R.
A with regard to selection of candidates belonging to reserved
category to be employed in State Service. Merely, because the
Government has widened the ambit of selection, so as to enable
more and more candidates to take part in the selection process,
the right of candidates who were already in the process cannot
be said to have been adversely affected. It is in the interest of
B
reserved category of candidates that more candidates take part
in the selection process and best and most efficient of them get
selected. This will not amount to change in the criteria for selection
after the selection process commenced. [Para 33][860-G-H; 861-
A-C]
c 3.2 The Government has not changed the rules of selection
so far as the present appellants are concerned. Weightage of
marks obtained in TET as well as that of academic qualification is
still the same. The entire selection process conforms to the
equitable standards laid down by the State Government in line
D with the principles enshrined in the Constitution and the extant
reservation policy of the State. It is not the case where basic
eligibility criteria has been altered in the midst of the selection
process. Conducting TET and calling for certificate verification
thereafter is an exercise which the State Government is obliged
to conduct every year as per the Guidelines issued by NCTE.
E Merely because appellants were called for certificate verification,
it cannot be contended that they have acquired a legal right to
the post. Impugned GO. Ms.No.25 did not take away the rights
of the appellants from being considered on their own merits as
pointed out by the Madras Bench. The views taken by the Madras
F Bench are affirmed that "by merely al/owin1: more persons to
compete, .the petitioners cannot contend that their accrued right
has been taken away". The State Government cannot be faulted
for altering the selection criteria by relaxing 5% marks in favour
of reserved category candidates. In the present case, the
relaxation afforded to the reserved category candidates has in
G
no way eliminated the appellants from the selection process;
rather a fair opportunity has been provided to other candidates
who can legitimately compete with the appellants herein. [Paras
35, 37][861-G-H; 862-A, C-D; 863-A-BJ
Te} Prakash Pathak and Ors. v. Rajasthan High Court
H
V. LAVANYA v. STATE OF TAMIL NADU REPRESENTED BY 841
ITS PRINCIPAL SECRETARY
and Ors. (2013) 4 sec 540 - relied OD; A
K. Manjushree v. State of Andhra Pradesh and Anr.
(2008) 3 SCC 512 : 2008 (2) SCR 1025; Hemani
Malhotra v. High Court of Delhi (2008) 7 SCC 11 :
2008 (5) SCR 1066 - referred to.
Point No.4: Challenge to GO. Ms. No.71 dated 30.05.2014? B
4.1 The appellants have not only challenged the new grading
system introduced by GO. No. 71; but they have also challenged
the weightage of marks of 40% earmarked for academic
performance. It is their contention that the Government has
blindly accepted the recommendation of Single Judge without c
application of mind. [Para 38] [863-E]
4.2 As it is evident from the records, distribution of marks
for academic performance and TET fixed by the respondents vide
GO. No. 252 continues to be the same even after issuing of GO.
No. 71. The TET conducted on 17.08.2013 and 18.08.2013 was D
pursuant to the issuing of G.O.Ms.No.252 fixing the weightage
for the marks in the basic qualification itself in which the appellants
have participated. Thus, it is not open to the appellants to
challenge the said procedure adopted by the respondents after
writing the examination. [Para 39][863-F, H; 864-A] E
4.3 Equivalence of academic qualifications is a matter for
experts and courts normally do not interfere with the decisions
of the Government based on the recommendations of the experts
It is the prerogative of State-Authorities to formulate a system
whereby weightage marks is decided with reference to actual F
marks secured by each candidate. In the present case, as no
arbitrariness is proved on the part of the respondents, in
formulating the grading system, court cannot interfere with the
same. It cannot be expected to go into every minute technicalities
of decision taken by the experts and perform the job of the
respondent-State. [Para 41][864-F-H; 865-A] G
4.4 The Madras High Court rightly rejected the challenge
to GO.(Ms.) No.25 dated 06.02.2014 and G.O.(Ms.)No. 71 dated
30.05.2014, holding that as per the NCTE Guidelines, the State
Government has the power to grant relaxation on the marks
H
842 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2016] 9 S.C.R.
A obtained in the TET for the candidates belonging to reserved
category and the same. is affirmed. The Madurai Bench did not
keep in view the NCTE Guidelines and the power of the State
Government to grant relaxation in terms of their extant
reservation policy and erred in quashing GO.(Ms.) No.25 dated
B 06.02.2014 and hence the same is liable to be set aside. [Para
43][865-E-F)
University of Mysore v. CD Govinda Rao (1964) 4 SCR
575; Mohd. Sujat Ali v. Union of India (1975) 3 SCC
76 : 1975 (1) SCR 449 - referred to.
Case Law Reference
c 2008 (2) SCR 1025 referred to Para 13
2008 (5) SCR 1066 referred to Para 13
2006 (7) Suppl. SCR 336 relied on Para 23
2006 (4) Suppl. SCR 511 relied on Para 24
D (2016) 10 SCALE 163 relied on Para 26
1976 Suppl. SCR 535 relied on Para 30
1974 (1) SCR 515 relied on Para30
2008 (2) SCR 1025 referred to Para 31
2008 (5) SCR 1066 referred to Para 31
E
(2013) 4 sec 540 relied on· Para36
(1964) 4 SCR 575 referred to Para 41
1975 (1) SCR 449 referred to Para 41
CIVIL APPELLATE JURISDICTION: Civil Appeal No. 10700
F of2016.
From the Judgment and Order dated 22.09.2014 of the High Court
of Judicature at Madras in W. A. No. 1031 of2014
WITH
C. A. Nos. 10715-10716, 10720, 10726, 10731-10732, 10737,
G 10736, 10735, 10734, 10733, 10727-10730, 10725, 10721-10723, 10719,
10701-10714and 10717-10718of2016.
V. Krishnamurthy, Ajmal Khan, Ms. Nalini Chidambaram,
P. P. Rao, Subramonium Prasad, V. Kanagaraj, Sr. Advs., T. Harish
Kumar, G. Sankaran, Navneet D., Anandh Kannan N.,
G. Sivabalamurugan, Ms. Theepa, Reegan S. Bel, N. Rajaraman, Satya
H
V. LAVANYA v. STATE OF TAMIL NADU REPRESENTED BY 843
ITS PRINCIPAL SECRETARY
Mitra Garg, Mrs. Manju Aggarwal, S. Loois, M. Yogesh Kanna, A
R. Nedumaran, M. S. Nithya, Sumit Kumar, Mrs. Kumari Supriya,
P. B. Suresh Babu, Senthil Jagadeesan, V. Ramasubramanian, Advs. for
the appearing parties.
The Judgment of the Court was delivered by
- R. BANUMATHI, J. 1. Leave granted. B
2. The present bat~h of appeals raise identical questions of law
and fact concerning appointment of Secondary Grade Teachers and B.T.
Assistants in the State of Tamil Nadu as per the-Guidelines prescribed
by National Council for Teacher Education (hereinafter referred to as
the NCTE) in this regard. These appeals impugn the conflicting c
judgments passed by both Madras and Madurai Bench of the High Court
of Madras in W.A. No. 1031/2014 & Others. dated 22.09.2014; and
W.P. No. 4558/2014 dated 25.09.2014 respectively. The dispute revolves
around the relaxation of 5% marks to the reserved category candidates
in the State Teachers EligibilityTest (hereinafter referred to as the TET)
approved by the State Government, which is allegedly in contravention D
of the norms to that effect embodied in the notification dated 23.08.2010
issued by the NCTE.
3. Pursuant to the mandate of Right of Children to Free and
Compulsory Education Act, 2009 ("the RTE Act"), the NCTE laid down
minimum qualifications for a person to be eligible for appointment as a E
Teacher through a Notification dated 11.02.2011. As per the said
Notification: " ... to be eligible for appointment as a teacher if any of
the schools referred to in clause (n) of section 2 of the RTE Act is
that he/she should pass the teacher eligibility test (TET) which will
be conducted by the appropriate Government in accordance with
the Guidelines framed by the NCTE". NCTE Guidelines prescribed F
60% marks to be declared as pass in TET. The said Guidelines enabled
the State Government to grant concession to persons belonging to
Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes, other Backward Classes, differently-
abled persons etc.
4. In pursuance of the provisions of the Act, the State Government G
enacted the Tamil Nadu Right of Children to Free and Compulsory
Education Act, 2011. State Government issued Order No. G.O.Ms.No.181
dated 15.11.2011, prescribing 60% marks as pass marks for TET under
the said G.O. The Teacher Recruitment Board was appointed as the
Nodal Agency for conducting the TET and recruitment of teachers.
H
844 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2016] 9 S.C.R.
A Subsequently, the State Government vide GO.(Ms.) No.252 School
Education (Q) Department dated 05.10.2012 issued the Procedure/
Guidelines for State Teachers' Eligibility Test. The said Guidelines
earmarked 60% marks for State eligibility test and the remaining 40%
for academic performance of the candidates. The 40% performance-
based marks were divided into I 0 marks and 15 marks each for the
B
Higher Secondary Examination/Degree Examination and D.T.Ed/B. Ed.
examination respectively.
5. The Teachers Recruitment Board conducted the first TET-
Paper I (Secondary Grade Teacher) and Paper II (Graduate Teacher)
on 12.07.2012 throughoutthe State in which 7, l 4,526 candidates appeared
c and 2448(0.3%) were successful. The details of number of the
candidates who appeared and who passed are as under:-
Exam No. of candidates No. of candidates % of pass
who anneared who ruissed.
D Paper I 3,05,405 1,735 0.57%
Paper ll 4,09,121 713 0.17%
Total 7,14526 2,448 0.34%
A supplementary TETwas also conducted on 14.10.2012 for Paper
E I and Paper II in which all the candidates who had appeared in the first
examination and had .not secured 60% marks were allowed to appear
without any additional examination fee. Around six lakh candidates
appeared in the said exam, out of which 19,261(around3%) onlydeared
the TET. The details are as under:-
F Exam No. of No. of candidates % of pass
candidates who who passed
appeared
Paper! 2,78,725 10,397 3.7%
Paper II 3.64,370 8,864 2.4%
G Total 6,43,095 19,261 2.9%
6. The third TET which is the subject matter of the present
challenge was conducted by the Teacher Recruitment Board in two
papers viz., Paper I and Paper II on 17.08.2013 and l 8.08.2013
respectively. The TET was conducted pursuant to Notification dated
H
V. LAVANYA v. STATE OF TAMIL NADU REPRESENTED BY 845
ITS PRINCIPAL SECRETARY [R. BANUMATHI, J.]
22.05.. 2013 by which 10,672 vacancies of BT Assistants was advertised. A
As per the Notification, TET is only a pre-requisite eligibility test for
those who are seeking appointment as a teacher; a TET certificate issued
will be valid for seven years from the date of its issuance and recruitment
of teachers will be conducted separately as and when there is a need,
following the Guidelines issued by the State Government. Around 16,000
B
candidates qualified TETwith more than 60% marks. In January, 2014,
candidates who had obtained 60% or more were called for Certificate
Verification (CV). Verification of certificates was done as per the G.O.
(Ms.) No. 252 dated 05.10.2012 and weightage marks were also
awarded. However, recruitment of teachers and appointment thereof
was not done. · c
7. In the meanwhile, the Hon'ble Chief Minister announced on·
the floor of the Assembly, relaxation of 5% marks in the passing marks
of60% and thus prescribed the passing marks as 55% for the candidates
belonging to Scheduled Caste, Schedule Tribes, Backward Classes,
Backward Classes (Muslim), Most Backward Classes, De-notified D
Communities and Persons with Disability (PWD). In tune with the
announcement, the State Government issued orders in GO.Ms.No.25
School Education (TRB) Department dated 06.02.2014 in which
relaxation of 5% of marks was given to the candidates belonging to SC,
ST, BC, BC(M), MBC, DNC and PWD candidates. However, minimum
qualifying marks with regard to general candidates was retained as 60% E
or 90% marks in both the papers. Relevant portion of the said G.O.
(Ms.) No.25 dated 06.02.2014, reads as under:-
'' In continuation of the announcement made by the Hon'ble
ChiefMinister, the Government orders as follows:
F
a) Relaxing 5% marks from the prese11t pass marks of
60% and fix the pass mark at 55% for candidates belonging
to Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribes, Backward Classes,
Backward Classes (Muslim), Most Backward Classes, De-
notified Communities and Persons with Disability (PWD)
as given below. The candidates are required to obtain the G
folfowing minimum marks in Paper I for Secondary Grade
Teachers and Paper II for Graduate Assistants:-
H
846 SUPRE.ME COURT REPORTS [2016) 9 S.C.R.
A
Category Maximum Minimum Marks(%) to be
Malks obtained in TNTET
Paper I Paper II
General 150 60"/o or 90 60"/o or 90
malks marks
B SC, ST,BC, 150 55% or 82.5 55% or 82.5
BC(M),MBC, malks rounded marks rounded
DNCand off to 82 off to 82
Pers.ens with malks marks
Disability
(PWD)
c
b) Relaxing 5% marks from the 60% marks prescribed for clearing
of the Tamil Nadu Teacher Eligibility Test, 2013 held on ·J 7.08.2013 and
18.08.2013 for Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribes, Backward Classes,
Backward Classes (Muslims), Most Backward Classes, De-notified
Communities and Persons with Disability (PWD) and fixed at 55% or
D 82 marks.
C) For all future Teacher Eligibility Tests, to fix the minimum marks
for candidates belonging to General Categ6ry at 90 marks (60% of 150)
and for candidates belonging to Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribes,
Backward Classes, Backward Classes (Muslims), Most Backward
E Classes, De-notified Communities, and Persons with Disability (PWD)
at 82 marks (55% of 150)."
The said relaxation of5% marks was held applicable to TET held
on 17.08.2013 and 18.08.2013 and all future TETs for the reserved
.category candidates.
F 8. Vide GO.Ms. No. 29 School Education (Q) Department
dated 14.02.2014, corresponding amendments were made in criteria
for selection of candidates who have cleared the TET (or appointment
to the post of Secondary Grade Teachers and Graduate Assistants
prescribed in G.O. dated 05.10.2012. The said order laid down the
weightage of marks under TET head as '36' for those candidates who
G obtain 55% and above but below 60% marks in TET. The order also
specified th!\t the amended selection criteria would be applic~ble to TET
held on 17.08.2013 and 18.08.2013. Relevant portion of the· said G.0.
reads as under:
"Tamil Nadu Teacher Eligibility Test for Secondary Grade
H
V. LAVANYA v. STATE OF TAMIL NADU REPRESENTED BY 847
ITS PRINCIPAL SECRETARY [R. BANUMATHI, J.]
Teachers and Graduate Assistants:- A
Examination Weightage 90% 80% 70% 60% and 55% and
passed of marks and and and above but above
above above above below70% but
but but below
below below 60% B
90% 80%
TNTET 60 60 54 48 42 36
4. The Chairman, Teachers Recruitment Board is directed
to take note"Ofthis Government order for finalizing selection
list of the Tamil Nadu Teacher Eligibility Test 2013 held on C
17.08.2013 and 18.08.2013 and for all future Tamil Nadu
Teacher Eligibility Test with respect to candidates belonging
to Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribes, Backward Classes,
Backward Classes (Muslims), Most Backward Classes, De-
notified Communities and Persons with Disability (PWD)."
D
9. Resultantly, a number of writ petitions were filed before the
High Court challenging the Government Orders passed in G.O.Ms.No.252
School Education(Q) Department, dated 05.10.2012, G.0.Ms.No.25
School Education (TRB) Department dated 06.02.2014 and
G.0._Ms.No.29, School Education (TRB) Department dated 14.02.2014
on different grounds. The Writ Court disposed of these petitions by E
upholding the validity of G.O.Ms.No.25, School Education (TRB)
Department dated 06.02.:2014. However, the learned Single Judge set
aside the grading system adopted by the Government in G.O. Ms. No.
252 dated 05.10.2012 observing that it lacks rationality as it places a
candidate with the difference of l tu 9 marks in the same basket. F.
I 0. Pursuant to the order passed by the learned Single Judge,
while continuing with the weightage of marks fixed earlier a\ per the
Government Order passed in G.O.Ms.No.252 School Education (Q)
Department, dated 05.10.2012 with reference to the basi9 qualification
mark~, the State Government passed a subsequent order in G.O.(Ms.) G
No.71 School Educatio11 (TRB) Department dated 30.05.2014 in tune-
with the suggestion made by the learned Single Judge. Relevant portion
of the said q9.(Ms.) No.71 dated 30.05.2014, is as under:
"7. The Government no\v issue revised orders for fixing
H
848 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2016] 9 S.C.R.
A the weightage and for distributing the weightage marks fixed
in the light of the High Court orders as mentioned in para 5
above for selection of candidates for appointm~nt to the
post of Secondary Grade Teachers and Graduate Assistants
in Government Schools from among those candidates who
have cleared the Tamil Nadu Teacher Eligibility Test. The
B
weightage of marks and the distribution of weightage of
marks be fixed as follows:-
A) Tamil Nadu Teacher Eligibility Test Weightage for
Secondary Grade Teachers
c (a) There shall be 100 marks in total
(b) The computation of 100 marks will be in the following
manner
(i) Higher Secondary Exam: 15 marks
D (ii) D.T.Ed.,/D.E.Ed., Exam: 25 marks
(iii) Teacher Eligibility Test : 60 marks
The weightage so assigned as indicated in (b) above to be
distributed based on the actual percentage of marks obtained
by the candidate in the qualifying examinations as shown
E below:-
Qualifying Weightage Percentage of l\iarks
Examination · ofmarks marks obtained in assigned
t11e qualifying
examination
F
H.Sc. 15 P% Px 15
100
DTEd.,1 25 Q% Qx25
D.E.Ed., 100
TET 60 R% Rx 60
G 100
Total 100 xxxxx
H
V. LAVANYA v. STATE OF TAMIL NADU REPRESENTED BY 849
lTS PRINCIPAL SECRETARY [R. BANUMATHI, J.]
B) Tamil Nadu Teacher Eligibility Test Weightage for A
Graduate Assistants:
(a) There shall be 100 marks in total
(b) The computation of 100 marks will be in the following
manner
B
(i) Higher Secondary Exam : 10 marks
(ii) Degree Exam : 15 marks
(iii) B.Ed., Exam : 15 marks
(iv) Teacher Eligibility Test : 60 marks
c
The weightage so assigned as indicated in (b) above to be
distributed based on the actual percentage of marks obtained
by the candidate in the qualifying examinations as shown
below:-
D
Qualifying Weigbta.ge Percentage of Marks
Examination of marks marks obtained in assigned
the qualifying
examination
H.Sc. 10 P% Px 10
100
E
·Degree 15 Q% Q x 15
100
B.Ed. 15 R% Rx 15
100
TET 60 S% Sx 60
100 F
Total 100 xxx
The Government Order passed in G.O.(Ms.) No.71 School
Education (TRP) Department dated 30.05.2014 was challenged both on
the ground ofweightage having been awarded for the marks obtained in G
three qualifications and also the method of gradation.
11. The High Court of Judi~ature at Madras heard various writ
petitions and writ appeals filed before it challenging the concerned G.Os
and by the orders impugned herein disposed of the same. The High
Court dismissed the writ appeals as we! I as the writ petitions holding that
H
850 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2016] 9 S.C.R.
A the challenge to the policy decision of the Goyernment can sustain only
ifit suffers from arbitrariness and unreasonableness which did not surface
in these cases. It was held that the writ petitioners/writ appellants are
non-suited to challenge the procedure adopted in granting weightage to
the marks obtained in the basic qualification required.
B 12. As opposed to the view taken by the Madras Bench of the
High Court, in a batch of writ petitions; the Madurai Bench has quashed
the relaxation given to the reserved category candidates. The Madurai
Bench also heard the challenge to Ggvernment Orders passed in
GO~Ms.No.252 School Education (Q) Department, dated 05.10.2012,
GO.Ms.No.25 School Education (TRB) Department dated 06.02.2014
c and G.O.Ms.No.29, School Education (TRB) Department dated
14.02.2014 and held that in the absence J'f any statistics to prove that
the prescription of 60% marks resulted in· fewer number of candidates
belonging to reserved categories getting appointed, it' is not possible to
uphold the Government Order. The Court further observed that the
argument that relaxation was necessary to advance social justice, is·
nothing but a myth and is devoid of any factual data and analysis.
13. These petitions by way of special leave have been filed
challenging the two contradicting decisions of the Madras Bench and
Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court. For the sake of convenience,
E unless otherwise expressly mentioned, the term appellant has been used
to refer to the private parties or original writ petitioners. Contention of
the appellants is that after the Select List was finalized on the basis of
GO.Ms. No. 252 dated 05.10.2012·, marks were awarded to all the.
candidates as per Go.vernment Order and all the candidates were awaiting ·
the order of appointment and thereafter, Government issued orders in
F GO.Ms. No. 25 School Education Department relaxing 5% marks with
respect to candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes,
Backward Classes, Mos! ~.ackward Classes, Backward Classes
(Muslims) De-notified communities and differently-abled persons by
which the pass marks was reduced to 55% from 60% and G.O.Ms.
G School Education No. 29 dated 14.02.2014 was issued amending the
criteria for selection prescribed in GO.Ms. 252 dated 05.10.2012. It
was submitted that the Government has reduced the passing percentage
for qua! ifying in the TET and changed the criteria for selection after the
commencement of the selection process, which is arbitrary, illegal and
violative ofArticle 14 of the Coustitution oflndia. In-this regard, reliance
H
V. LAVANYA v. STATE OF TAMIL NADU REPRESENTED BY 851
ITS PRINCIPAL SECRETARY [R. BANUMATHI, J.]
.
~as place_d upon K Mm1jusltree v. State o{Andltra Pradesh and A
v:
Anr. (2008) 3 SCC 512 and Hemani Malhotra High Court of Delhi
(2008) 7 sec 11 to contend that it is impermissible to change the rules
of selection once the selection process has started.
14. Per contra, learned counsel appearing for the State submitted
that relaxation has been extended by the State Government only to the B
reserved category candidates. It was submitted that Clause 9 of the
NCTE Guidelines for conducting TET empowers the State Government
to give concessions/relaxations to candidates belonging to reserved
categories ·and the State Government in exercise of its power under
Clause 9 of the NCTE Guidelines granted relaxation and the same cannot
be challenged. 1t is submitted that the TET examination is a qualifying c
examination and after writing the examination a11d after accepting the
rules and terms of selection in the first place, the appellants cannot
challenge the procedure adopted by the respondent-State and challenge
the weightage of marks. It was submitted that the Madras Bench has.
rightly upheld G.0. (Ms.) No. 25 dated 06.02.2014, G.O.Ms. No. 29 D
dated 14.02.2014 and GO.Ms. No. 71dated30.05.2014 and the contrary
view taken by the Madurai Bench is unsustainable.
15. Upon consideration of the rival submissions and perusal of the
impugned j udgm.ents, the following issues arise for consideration:-
(i) Whether the State Government has the competence to give
E
relaxation of 5% marks in Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) and
whether such relaxation provided by the State Government by
G.O.(Ms.) No.25 dated 06.02.2014 is legally justified? ·
(ii) Having regard to the stand of the Government in the earlier
round of Writ Petitions in Writ Petition No.30426 of 2012 and
22407 of 2013, not to relax the qualifying marks for Teacher F
Eligibility Test (TET), whether Government is estopped from
granting relaxation?
(iii) Whether providing relaxation of5% marks in Teacher Eligibility
Test (TET) by G.O.(Ms.) No.25 dated 06.02.2014 amounts to
change in the criteria of selection of teachers after the selection G
process commenced? ·
(iv) Whether prescribing 40% marks as weightage for the
academic performance is arbitrary and does not take into
consideration different streams ofeducation and subjects of
study?
H
852 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2016] 9 S.C.R.
A Point No. I: Whether tile State Government has tile
competence to give relaxatio11 of 5% marks in Teaclter Eligibility
Test (TET) and wltetlter suclt relaxation provided by tlte State
Government by G.O.(Ms.) Nu.25 dated 06.02.2014 is legally
iustijied?
B 16. In exercise of the power conferred under Section 23 ( 1) of
Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act 35 of2009, a
Notification was issued by NCTE prescribing the minimum qualification
for a person to be eligible for appointment as a teacher in Class I to VIII
in a school referred to in clause (n) of Section 2 of Act 35 of 2009.
Notification dated 23.08.2010 was followed by Guidelines dated
c 11.02.2011 issued by the NCTE for conducting TET under the Act.
Guideline_No.9 deals with qualifying marks, which reads as under:- -
"Qualifying marks.-
9. A person who scores 60% or more in the TET exam will
D be considered as TET pass. School managements
(Government, local bodies, government aided and unaided)
(a) may consider giving concessions to persons belonging
to SC/ST, OBC, differently abled persons, etc., in
accordance with their extant reservation policy;
E
(b) should give weightage to the TET scores in the
recruitment process; however, qualifying the TET would
not confer a right on any person for recruitment/employment
as it is only one of the eligibility criteria for appointment."
F While prescribing 60% marks as minimum qualifying marks for
TET, Clause 9 enables concerned government/authorities to grant
concessions/relaxation to persons belonging to SC/ST, OBC, differently-
abled persons, etc., in accordan<;e. with their extant reservation policy.
17 .As noticed earlier, the Government ofTamil Nadu in G.0.(Ms.)
G No.252 School Education (Q) Department dated 05.10.2012 fixed the
c(iteria for selection of candidates who have cleared the TET for ·
appoiiitment to the post of Secondary Grade Teachers and B.T.
Assistants. As per the said Govern1nent Order, out of the 100 marks, 40
marks have been earn1arked for academic performance. Remaining 60
marks out of 100 has been fixed for the TET. A Notification was issued
H
'·
V. LAVANYA v. STATE OF TAMIL NADU REPRESENTED BY 853
ITS PRINCIPAL SECRETARY [R. BANUMATHI, J.]
by the Teachers Recruitment Board on 22.05.2013 for the conduct of A
TEI, followed by recruitment of teachers. Clause 6 of the Notification,
which deals with "General Information", makes it clear that the TET is
only a pre-requisite eligibility test for those who are seeking appointment
as a teacher and that a TET certificate issued will be valid for seven
years from the date of its issuance. Recruitment of teachers is conducted
B
separately_ as and whe~ there is a heed, following the Guidelines issued
by the Government of Tamil Nadu. Accordingly, it was notified to the
- candidates that TET is only an eligibility test and conducting of the same
is distinct from the recruitment of teachers, which is a subsequent event
18. Section 23 o:fthe RTE Act empowers the Central Government
to authorize the academic authority to prescribe minimum qualification
c
to be eligible for appointment of teachers. Once the academic.authority
fixes the minimum qualification, then the relaxation is possible only under
Section 23(2). Sub-section (2) enables the State to approach the Central
Government to relax the minimum qualification required for appointment
of teachers, where a State does not have adequate institutions offering D
courses or training in teacher education, or teachers possessing minimum
qualification as laid down under sub-section (!)are not available in
sufficient numbers. On such request, the Central Government may, if it
deems necessary, by Notification, relax the minimum qualification required ·
for appointment as a teacher, for such period, not exceeding five years,
E
as may be specified in that Notification. In terms 0 fSection 23 (2) power
to relax such minimum: qualification has been reserved with the Central
Government
19. Contention of the appellants is that Section 23 (2) of the RTE
Act requires the State/Union Territories to request the Central Government
F
for relaxation of prescribed minimum qualification to be eligible for
appointment of teachers and the power to relax the minimum qualification
is exclusively within the domain of the Central Government and the same
does not rest with the State Government or NCTE. It is further submitted
that the High Court without properly appreciating the import of Section
23 of the Act, and Rules 17 and 18 of the Rules, erroneously held that G
Clause No. 9 of NCTE Guidelines dated I 1.02.2011 empowered the
State to make such relaxation. It was submitted that the Guidelines of
NCTE cannot be contrary to the provisions of the Act and the Rules.
20. Per contra, the respondent-State has maintained that the
H
854 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2016] 9 S.C.R.
A Government was well within its powers to take a policy decision of
granting relaxation to the reserved category candidates. Jn this regard,
the State has placed reliance on Clause No.9 ofNCTE Guidelines which
empowers the Government or local bodies to grant concessions/relaxatipn
as per their respective reservation policies.
B 21. As noted earlier, Clause No.9NCTE Guideline vests a discretion
in the School Managements (State Government, Local Bodies,
Government aided and un-aided) to grant relaxation/concessions to
persons belonging to SC/ST, OBC, differently-abled persons etc. in
accordance with their extant reservation policy. Clause No. 9(a) clearly
empowers the State Government/School Managements/Local Bodies
c to grant such relaxation. Candidates had also contended before the
courts that no reservation policy was in-effect at the relevant point of
time. ·
22. Article 14 of the Constitution enshrines the principle of equality
before law. Article 15 prohibits discrimination against citizens on grounds
D only of religion, race, caste, sex, place ofbi1ih or any of them. As per
Article 16, there shal I be equality of opportunity for all citizens in matters
relating to employment, or appointment to any office under the State.
However, at the same time, the framers of the ·constitution were conscious
of the backwardness of large sections of the population. It was also
E apparent that because of their backwardness, these sections of the
population would not be in a position to compete with advanced section
of the community. Article 16 (4) of the Constitution enables the State to
make provision for reservation of appointments or posts in favour of any
backward class of citizens which, in its opinion, is not, adequately
represented in the services under the State. Article 16(4) has to be read
F with Article 335 which deals with claims of Scheduled Castes and
Scheduled Tribes to services and posts and lays down that "the claims
of the members of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes shall be
taken into consideration, consistently with the maintenance of efficiency
of administration, in the making of appointments to services and posts in
G connection with the affairs of the Union or of a State".
23. Constitution of!ndia has made adequate enabling provisions
empowering the State to promote reservation/concessions: Special
provisions are made for advancement of the socially and economically
backward classes. These provisions will bring out the contents of equality
H of opportunity guaranteed under Articles 14, 15 ( 1), 16 ( 1) of the
v. LAVANYA v. STATE OF TAMIL NADU REPRESENTED BY ·sss
ITS PRINCIPAL SECRETARY [R. BANUMATHI, J.]
Constitution oflndia by creating equal level-playing field. In M. Nagaraj A
and Others v. Union oflndia and Others (2006) 8 SCC 212, Constitution
Bench of this Court held as follows:-
"47. Equality of opportunity has two different and
distinct concepts. There is a conceptual distinction
between a non-discrimination principle and affirmative B
action under which the State is obliged to provide a
level-playing field to the oppressed classes. Affirmative
action in the above sense seeks to move beyond the
concept of non-discrimination towards equalizing
results with respect to various groups. Both the
conceptions constitute "equality of opportunity". " t:
24. Preferential treatment or concessions granted to SC/ST,
backward classes, physically handicapped and denotified communities
is within the concept of equality. Grant ofrelaxation is for the upliftment
of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and other backward D
communities and the same has been eloquently stated in State o(Madflra
Pradesh and Anr. v. Kumari Nivedita Jain and Others ( 1981) 4 SCC
296 as under:-
" 26. -It cannot be disputed that the State must do
everything possible for the upliftment of the Scheduled E
Castes and Scheduled Tribes and other backward
communities and the State is entitled to make
reservations for them in the matter of admission to
medical and other technical institutions. In the absence
of any law to the contrary, it must also be open to the F
Government to impose such conditions_ as would make
the reservation effective and would benefit the
candidates belonging to these categories for whose
benefit and welfare the reservations have been made.
In any particufar situation, taking into consideration
the realities and circumstances prevailing in the State it G
will be open to the State to vary and modify the
conditions regarding selection for admission, if such
modification or variation becomes necessary for
achieving the purpose for which reservation has been
made and if there be 1:0 lmv to the contrary. Note (ii) of H
856 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2016] 9 S.C.R.
A Rule 20 of the Rules for admission framed by the State
Government specifically empowers the Government to
grant such relaxation in the minimum qualifying marks
to the extent considered necessary ..... The relaxation
made by the State Government in the rule regarding
selection of candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes
8
and Scheduled Tribes for admission into Medical
Colleges cannot be said to be unreasonable and the
said relaxation constitutes 110 violation of Article 15(1)
and (2) of the Constitution. The said relaxation also
does not offend Article 14 of the Constitution. It has to
c be noticed that there is no relaxation of the condition
regarding eligibility for admission into Medical
Colleges. The relaxation is only in the rule regarding
selection of candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes
and Scheduled Tribes categories who were otherwise
qualified and eligible to seek admission into Medical
D
Colleges only in relation to seats reserved for them .... "
25. The idea behind laying down NCTE Guidelines for conducting
TET was to bring about unifon11ity and certainty in the standards and
quality of education being imparted to the students across the nation.
However, at the same time the framers of the guidelines took note of the
E huge socio-economic disparity existing in the nation and accordingly, by
virtue of Clause No. 9 enabled the respective state governments/
authorities to provide relaxation to the candidates belonging to socially
backward classes. As discussed earlier, such a provision is in line with
the principles enshrined in the Constitution. State Government cannot be
F faulted for discharging its constitutional obligation ofupliftment of socially
and economically backward Communities by providing 5.% relaxation to
candidates belonging to Scheduled Caste, Schedule Tribes, Backward
Classes, Backward Classes (Muslim), Most Backward Classes, De-
notified Communities and Persons with Disability (PWD).
G 26. State of Rajasthan by its Notification dated 29.07.2011 has
granted similar relaxation of5% marks in the qualifying marks relatable
to TET exams condu~ted in the State of Rajasthan. The Rajasthan
High Court struck down the relaxation granted by the State ofRajasthan
on the ground that such relaxation was in excess of extant reservation
policy. In Vikas Sankha/a and Ors. v. Vikas Kumar Agarwal mu/
.H
V. LAVANYA v. STATE OF TAMIL NADU_REPRESENTED BY 857
ITS PRINCIPAL SECRETARY [R. BANUMATHI, J.]
Ors. Etc. (2016) 10 SCALE 163, this Court reversed the judgment of A
the Rajasthan High Court holding that State has a legitimate right in
granting such relaxation to SC/ST, OBC etc. After referring to Nivedita
Jain and M. Nagaraj case, this Court in paras (51 ), (54) and (55) held
as under:-
"51. Examined in the aforesaid context, when our 8
Constitution envisages equal respect and concern for
each individual in the society and the attainment of the
goal requires special attention to be paid to some, that
ought to be done. Giving of desired concessions to the
reserved category persons, thus, ensures equality as a
levelling process. At jurisprudentibl level, whether c
reservation policies are defended on compensatory
principles, utilitarian principles or on the principles of
distributive justice, fact remains that the very ethos of
such policies is to bring out equality, by taking
affirmative action. Indian Constitution has made D
adequate enabling provisions empowering the State to
provide such concessions.
54. it hardly needs to be emphasized that the State has
a legitimate and substantial interest in ameliorating or E
eliminating where feasible, the disabling effects of
identified discrimination. it is a duty cast upon the Stale,
by the Constitution, to remedy the effects of "societal
.discrimination". Provision for relaxation in TET pass
marks has to be looked into from this angle which is in F
tune with the constitutional philosophy. After all it only
ensures that such candidates·' belonging to reserved
category become eligible for appointment as primary
teachers. On the other hand, when it comes to selection
process such reserved category candidates have to
compete with general category candidates wherein due G
regard for merit is given. Therefore, only those
candidates belonging to reserved category who are
found meritorious in selection are ultimately appointed
We are of the opinion that in this manner the two
constitutional goals, that of rendering quality education H
858 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2016] 9 S.C.R.
A on the one hand and providing "equality of opportunity'
to the unprivileged class on the other hand, are
adequately met and rightly balanced.
55. We, thus, do not agree ivilh the interpretation that is
given by the High Court and answer Question No. I
B holding that relaxation prescribed in letter dated March
23, 2011 in pass marks in TET examination for different
reserved categories mentioned therein is legal and valid
in iaw."
We are entirely in agreement with the above judgment in Vik((S
c S((nklw/(( C((Se.
27. Granting relaxation to SC/ST, OBC, physically handicapped
and de-notified communities is in furtherance of the constitutional
obligation of the State to the under-privileged and create an equal level-
playing field. After referring to clause 9 of the NCTE Guidelines, the
D Madras High Court rightly held that the Government ofTamil Nadu has
acted in exercise of the powers conferred under clause 9 of the Guidelines
issued by the NCTE. Madurai Bench was not right in quashing G.O.(Ms.)
No.25 dated 06.02.2014 on the ground that such relaxation "based upon
the theory of social justice is actually destructive of the very fabric
of the social justice". In our considered view, the judgment of the
E Madurai Bench has not kept in view the constitutional obligation of the
State to provide equal level-playing field to the under privileged. In
consonance with the M. N((g((raj case, an affirmative action taken by
State Government granting relaxation for TET would not amount to
dilution of standards and hence the view taken by the Madurai Bench is
F not sustainable and is liable to be set aside.
Point No. 2: Whether the St((te Government is estopped from
gr((nting refaxmion?
28. In the earlier round of litigation (in Writ Petition No. 30425 of
2012 and Writ Petition No.22407of2013), Government of Tamil Nadu
G took a categorical stand that they would not compromise on the quality
of the teachers. After referring to the said stand of the State Governm~nt
in its counter affidavit before the Division Bench, in paras (38) to (40) of
the judgment, Madurai Bench observed that the State Government is
not justified in retracting from its earlier stand. The Madurai Bench
further observed that the impugned Government Order G.O.(Ms.) No.
H
V. LAVANYA v. STATE OF TAMIL NADU REPRESENTED BY 859
ITS PRINCIPAL SECRETARY [R. BANUMATHI, J.]
25 .dated 06.02.20I4 is not based upon any statistics and therefore A
granting relaxation to advance social justice ·· .... is nothing but a myth
and is not based on facts and figures". On behalf of the appellants
much reliance was placed upon the earlier stand of the Government to
contend that when the Government had earlier taken the stand that it
would not grant relaxation of marks for TET pass and dilute the standards
B
of education, the Government cannot approbate and reprobate at the
same time by changing its stand. It was further submitted that the teachers
are responsible for moulding the younger minds and any dilution of
standards ofTET would be detrimental to the standards of education.
29. We are unable to persuade ourselves to accept the view of
Madurai Bench quashing the impugned G.O. on the ground of alleged
c
change in the stand of the Government. Considering the representation
from various quarters, it was a policy decision taken by the Government·
to relax marks for TET pass for specified and under-privileged
communities. It is a matter of State policy to frame and prescribe
selection norms with regard to services and posts connected with the D
affairs of the State. It is well-settled that courts cannot interfere with
the policy decisions of the State especially when the policy decision is
taken in public interest to further the advancement ofreserved categories.
A policy decision taken by the State in exercise of its jurisdiction under
Article 162 of the Constitution oflndia is subservient only to the mandate
of the constitutional provisions and the recruitment rules framed by the E
State itself, either in terms of a legislative act or an executive order. The
relaxation provided by the State Government and criteria of selection
laid down vide impugned government orders are in exercise of the powers
provided under the proviso to Article 309 of the Constitution of India and
being a policy decision in terms of its extant reservation policy cannot be F
impeached on the ground that the relaxation has been given to suit some
specific class of individuals.
30. It is now well settled by a catena of decisions that there can
be no question of estoppels against the Government in the exercise of its
legislative, sovereign or executive powers (vide Excise Co111111issio11er G
U.P., Allahabad v. Ram Kumar ( 1976) 3 SCC 540 and M. Ra11u111atlw
Pillai v. State o{Kera/a am/ Am: (1973) 2 SCC 650). The view taken
by Madurai Bench as regards the stand of the Government to relax the
norms allegedly in contradiction to its earlier stand is not sustainable in
law.
H
860 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2016] 9 S.C.R.
A Point No. 3: Whether providing rela:mtion of 5% marks in
TET amounts to change in tile criteria of selection of teac/1ers after
ihe selection process commenced?
31. The appellants have contended that the provisionally selected
candidates were called to attend certificate verification on 23.01.2014
B and 24.01.2014 and weightage marks were also awarded as per the
then existing Government Order. While so, by issuing impugned GO.Ms.
No.25 dated 06.02.2014 and GO.Ms. No. 29 dated 14.02.2014 the criteria
of selection was altered by relaxing passing marks by 5% in TET from
60% to 55%, thereby allowing large number of candidates who scored
lesser marks to be considered for selection. As per the appellants, this
c has resulted in altering the criteria of selection after the commencement
of selection process. Reliance is placed upon K. Manjushree v. State
o(Andhra Pradesh and Anr. (2008) 3 SCC 512 and Hemani Malhotra
v. High Court o(De/lti (2008) 7 SCC 11 to contend that the rules of
selection cannot be changed after the selection process commenced.
D 32. Per contra, State has contended that granting relaxation of
marks to SCs/STs/OBCs and others will not amount to change in the
rules of the games. By relaxation of marks more candidates belonging
to reserved category are allowed to compete. The appellants cannot
· contend that their rights have been taken away; no prejudice has been
E caused to them as the selection criteria has not been altered with respect
to them.
33. Appellants appeared in the TETconducted on 17.08.2013 and
18.08.2013. Respondents were to select the suitable candidates. As
per the selection criteria laid down in GO. Ms. No: 252 laid down that
F the candidates have to secure minimum 60% in TET so as to qualify the
said exam. The weightage of the marks secured in TET was 60% and
that of academic qualification was 40%. It is true that the candidates
who passed TET were called to attend certificate verification on
23.01.2014 and 24.01.2014; but the selection process has not been
completed. Later on, GO.Ms. No.25 dated 06.02.2014 was issued
G granting relaxation of 5% marks _to SC, ST, backward classes, physically
handicapped, de-notified comm9nities etc. The purpose of relaxation
was to increase the participation of candidates belonging to backward
classes in State's· pool of teachers. The State Government merely
·widened the ambit ofTET so as to reach out to those candidates belonging
H to the deprived section of the society who were not able to compete,
V. LAVANYA v. ST.~TE OF TAMIL NADU REPRESENTED BY 861
ITS PRINCIPAL SECRETARY [R. BANUMATHI, J.]
inspite of possessing good academic records and qualifications. The A
change brought about in the selection criteria is Government's
prerogative. In terms of their extant reservation policy, the State
Government is free to take actions suitable to the socio-economic
conditions prevalent in the State, especially with regard to selection of
candidates belonging to reserved category to be employed in State
B
Service. Merely, because the Government has widened the ambit of
selection, so as to enable more and more candidates to take part in the
selection process, the right of candidates who were already in the process
cannot be said to have been adversely affected. It is in the interest of
reserved category of candidates that more candidates take part in the
selection process and best and most efficient of them get selected. This c
will not amount to change in the criteria for selection after the selection
process commenced.
34.As discussed earlier, by virtue ofNCTE Guidelint)s No.9 dated
11.02.2011, the State Government was already empowered to grant
relaxation to under-privileged candidates and only in exercise of that D
power, G.O.Ms.No.25 was issued to create a level-playing field. Further
as noted earlier, in TET-I conducted in 2012, 7,14,526 candidates had
appeared and only 2448 (0.3%) had qualified. In the subsequent TET,
around 6 lakhs candidates had appeared and only 20,000 i.e. 3%
candidates could clear the test. Even in third TET with which we are
concerned only 16,392 candidates had qualified. In that scenario to E
provide a level-playing fiela to persons belonging to SC/ST/OBC,
denotified communities, differently-abled persons etc., State Government
relaxed 5% mark~ to enable them to compete with others. It was the
prerogative of the State Government to relax the passing marks with
respect to reserved category candidates so that more qua! ified candidates F
could come up and participate in the selection process. In fact, even
after grant of relaxation of 5% marks, many posts of reserved categories
are remaining unfilled. State has placed the figures before us to show
that even after granting relaxation of 5% marks, many posts ofSCs/STs
and other backward categories in various subjects are remaining unfilled.
G
35. The Government has not changed the rules of selection so far
as the present appellants are concerned. Weightage of marks obtained
in TET as well as that of academic qualification is still the same. The
entire selection process conforms to the equitable standards laid down
by the State Government in line with the principles enshrined in the
H
862 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2016] 9 S.C.R.
A Constitution and the extant reservation policy of the State. It is not the
case where basic eligibility criteria has been altered in the midst of the
selection process. Conducting TET and calling for certificate verification
thereafter is an exercise which the State Government is obliged to conduct
every year as per the Guidelines issued by NCTE. By calling for CV
along with certificates of other requisite academic qualifications, a
B
candidate's overall eligibility is ascertained and then he/she is recruite'd.
Such an exercise by which qualified teachers in the State are segregatep
and correspondingly certified to that effect cannot ae equated to
finalization of select list which comes at a much later stage. No prejudice
has been caused to the appellants, since the marks obtained by the
c appellants inTETare to remain valid for a period of seven years, based
on which they can compete for the future vaca~cies. Merely because
appellants were called for certificate verification, it cannot be contended
that they have acquired a legal right to the post. Impugned G.O. Ms.No.25
did not take away the rights of the appellants from being considered on
their own merits as pointed out by the Madras Bench. We entirely agree
D
with the views taken by the Madras Bench that "by merely allowing
more persons to compete, the petitioners cannot contend that their
accrued right has been taken away".
36. Appearing in TET is synonymous to obtaining an eligibility. By
obtaining pass marks in TET a candidate is not said to have been recruited.
E
Marks obtained in TET accounts only for 60% in the final selection and
rest 40% is covered by academic performance. By granting relaxation
of5% marks in TET for reserved categories only, the eligibility criteria
is neither altered nor any prejudice is caused to the appellants. The
contention of the appellants that the State Government cannot legally
F alter the selection criteria after conducting the exam does not find force
in the light of view taken by a three Judge Bench of this Court in lli
Prakash Pathak and Ors. v. Rajastlwn High Court and Ors. (20 13)
4 SCC 540. In this case, the then Chief Justice of the concerned High
Court ordered that examination conducted for the posts of' Translators'
be treated as competitive examination and only those candidates who
G secured a minimum of 75% marks be selected to fill up the posts in
questions. In view of the decision of the Chief Justice, only three
candidates were found suitable for appointment. This triggered the
litigation. It was observed that there is difference between altering the
basic eligibility criteria in the mid of the process of selection and altering
H
V. LAVANYA v. STATE OF TAMIL NADU REPRESENTED BY 863
ITS PRINCIPAL SECRETARY [R. BANUMATHI, J.]
the mere procedure of selection. A
3 7. The State Government cannot be faulted for altering the
selection criteria by relaxing 5% marks in favour of reserved category
candidates. In Tej Prakash (supra) the alteration in procedure in effect
led to elimination of selected candidates, still the Court refrained from
finding fault with such an alteration, as it was done in public interest. In B
the present case, the relr..;ation afforded to the reserved category
candidates has in no way eliminated the appellants from the selection
process; rather a fair opportunity has been provided to other candidates
who can legitimately compete with the appellants herein.
Point No.4: Chall~nge to GO. Ms. No.71 dated 30.05.2014? C
38.The appellants have also challenged G.O.Ms. 71, 'which was
issued by the respondents pursuant to the decision of the Single Judge of
the High Court. As already noted before, the Single Judge while declining
the challenge to G.O.Ms. No. 252 and G.0.Ms. No. 25 had set aside the
grading system adopted by the Government vide G.0.Ms. No. 252. The D
Single Judge observed that the grading system adopted in G.0.Ms. No.
252 lacks rationality as it places candidates with the difference of 1 to 9
percentage in the same basket. Accordingly, vide G.O.Ms.No. 71 the
Government came up with the grading methodology as indicated supra
in para No 10. The appellants have not only challenged the new grading
system introduced by G.O. No. 71; but they have also challenged the E
weightage of marks of 40% earmarked for academic performance. It is
their contention that the Government has blindly accepted the
· recommendation of Single Judge without application of mind.
39. As it is evident from the records, distribution of marks for
academic performance and TET fixed by the respondents vide G.O. F'
No. 252 continues to be the same even after issuing of G.O. No. 71.
That is, for the post of secondary grade teachers weightage of marks
obtained in H.Sc. examination, D.T.Ed./D.E.Ed and TETwas 15 marks,
25 marks and 60 marks respectively and it continues to be the same.
Similarly, for the post of Graduate Assistants weightage of marks obtained 0
in H.Sc. examination, Degree Examination, B.Ed and TET was 10 marks,
15 marks, 15 marks and 60 marks and it also continued to be the same.
In such circumstances, we hold that the Madras High Court has correctly
held that it is not open to the appellants to challenge the weightage of
marks. The TET conducted on 17.08.2013 and 18.08.2013 was pursuant
H
864 SUPREME COURT REPORTS (2016] 9 S.C.R.
A to the issuing of G.O.Ms.No.252 fixing the weightage for the marks in
the basic qualification itself in which the appellants have participated.
Thus, it is not open to the appellants to challenge the said procedure
adopted by the respondents after writing the examination.
40. The second aspect of challenge relates to the grading system
B adopted by the respondents. The respondents have acted as per the
directions of the Single Judge of the High Court. The Single Judge in his
judgment dated 29.04.2014 while declaring the slab system irrational,
suggested a scientific rational method for award of weightage marks
with reference to actual marks secured by each candidate in H.Sc./
D.T.Ed./D.E.Ed/B.Ed/TET for Secondary Grade Teachers/ Graduate
c Assistants as the case may be and accordingly make selections. This
was accepted by the government in G.O.(Ms.) No. 71 dated 30.05.2014
and the respondents have thus come up with the present awarding of
weightage marks with reference to actual marks secured by each
candidate which is more scientific and appropriate and as compared to
D the previous grading system contained in G.O. No. 252 which had put
candidates obtaining 1-9% marks on the same footing.
4 I. The appellants have maintained that while prescribing the marks
for performance in Higher Secondary Examination, the respondents have
failed to take into account different Education Boards (CBSE, !CSE,
E State Boards etc.) conducting Higher Secondary Examination and
difference in their marks awarding patterns. As also, the appellants have
alleged that respondents failed to consider different streams of education
while formulating the grading pattern. It is submitted that unless and
until the respondents take note of difference in marking scheme of
Education boards, as also the marking scheme of different streams such
F as Arts, Science etc. a valid grading system cannot be formulated.
Equivalence of academic qualifications is a matter for experts and courts
normally do not interfere with the decisions of the Government based on
the recommendations of the experts (vide University o(Mvsore v. CD
Govinda Rao (1964) 4 SCR 575 and Molul Sujat Ali v. U11io11 of
G India ( 1975) 3 SCC }6). We hold that it is the prerogative of State-
Authorities to formulate a system whereby weightage marks is decided
with reference to actual marks secured by each candidate. In the present
case, as no arbitrariness is proved on the part of the respondents, in
formulating the grading system we cannot interfere with the same. We
cannot be expected to go into every minute technicalities of decision
H
V. LAVANYA v. STATE OF TAMIL NADU REPRESENTED BY 865
ITS PRINCIPAL SECRETARY [R. BANUMATRI, J.]
taken by the experts and perform the job of the respondent-State. A
Moreover, the High Court has also noted that submission of learned
Advocate General that almost all the appellants have completed their
High Secondary examination from the State Boards.
42. The contention that different Boards of Examination have
different standards and the examiners who evaluate the scripts are in B
some places more liberal than others and that the·candidates who acquired
qualifications decades back had to suffer strict evaluation as compared
to the candidates who have qualified in the recent past facing liberal
evaluation criteria, are. all hypothetical arguments without any pleading
and supporting material disclosed in the Writ Petitions. As noted earlier,
weightage of marks for academic performance and TET fixed vide
G.O.(Ms.) No.252 dated 05.10.2012 continues to be the same even after
issuing G.0.(Ms.)No.71 dated 30.05.2014. Having taken up the
examination as per G.0.(Ms.) No.252, the appellants cannot challenge
the award of weightage for the distribution of marks for academic
performance with reference to actual marks secured by each candidate. D
The appellants are not justified in challenging every rational decision
taken by the respondents to make the selection process more fair and
reasonable merely because the outcome does not favour the limited
individual interests of the appella0~·
43. The Madras High Court rightly rejected the chall~nge to E
G.O.(Ms.) No.25 dated 06.02.2014 and G.O.(Ms.)No. 71 dated
30.05.2014, holding that as per the NCTE Guidelines, the State
Government has the power to grant relaxation on the marks obtained in
the TET for the candidates belonging to reserved category· and the same
is affirmed. The Madurai Bench did not keep in view the NCTE
Guidelines and the power of the State Government to grant relaxation in F
terms of their extant reservation policy and erred in quashing G.O.(Ms.)
No.25 dated 06.02.201;4 and hence the same is liable to be set aside.
44. The appeals filed by the State Government are, accordingly,
'allowe.d and the impugned judgment of the Madurai Bench is set aside.
The impugned judgment of the Madras Bench of the High Court is G
affirmed and all the appeals preferred by the unsuccessful candidates
are dismissed.
Ankit Gyan Appeals dispose<l of.
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