In Brief
Three newly qualified teachers challenged Himachal Pradesh's schemes that appointed less-qualified Primary Assistant Teachers and para teachers between 2001–2003 to fill vacant remote schools. The appointees had worked for 15 years and acquired professional qualifications. The High Court dismissed the writ petitions and allowed appeals by the State and teachers. The Supreme Court upheld this decision, holding that unexplained delay (11 years), the lack of challenge when schemes were notified, the appointees' long service and acquired qualifications, and the State's rational explanation regarding topography and statutory education targets distinguished these cases from strict "irregular appointment" precedents. The appeal was dismissed.
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