JUDGMENT

1. This appeal by grant of special leave is directed against the judgment of the Bombay High Court dated 11-5-1988.

2. The appellant-society is running a Girls High School at Nagpur. The school, at the relevant time, was governed by the Maharashtra Employees of the Private Schools (Conditions of Service) Regulation Act, 1977. In view of the retirement of Mrs Kenekar, as Headmistress of the High School on 30-9-1984 a vacancy arose for the post of Headmistress. The appellant-society appointed the respondent, Mrs Kishori Deshpande as Headmistress with effect from 1-10-1984. A provisional approval for the said appointment was given by the Education Officer, Zila Parishad, Nagpur.

3. One Mrs Chetna Motghare, respondent 3 herein sent an application to the Director of EJucation, Pune on 14-4-1987 stating that she was a Scheduled Caste candidate and serving in the school since 1977 and as such under the prevailing system it was her turn to be appointed as Headmistress. On the above representation, the Education Officer, Zila Parishad, Nagpur, by letter dated 7-5-1.987 cancelled the approval of Mrs Kishori Deshpande as Headmistress, earlier given by him. He also directed that the clai