In Brief
P. Gopinathan Pillai, appointed as Project Officer and later promoted to Assistant Director in the Centre for Adult Continuing Education and Extension (CACEE) at Kerala University, sought to continue in service until age 60 as a university teacher. The Supreme Court dismissed his appeal, holding that CACEE is a self-financed centre not maintained by the University, and therefore not covered by the statutory definition of 'Teacher of the University' under the Kerala University Act, 1974. Although the appellant engaged in teaching activities, statutory teacher status requires appointment in a University-maintained institution. Prior High Court decisions favouring CACEE employees were distinguished as those applicants either held original university teaching posts or retained lien on such positions. The appellant must retire at age 56, the retirement age for CACEE staff.
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