JUDGMENT :

L. Nageswara Rao, J.

Leave granted.

The controversy in this case pertains to the competing claim of the Appellant and Respondent No.4 to the 1st post of Lecturer, English in Indira Gandhi (Junior) Mahavidyalaya, Nimapara in Odisha. The decision by the State Education Tribunal, Odisha, in favour of the Appellant was reversed by the High Court. Hence, the Appeal.

       (I)

1. The Appellant was appointed as a Lecturer in English against the 2nd post in the Indira Gandhi (Junior) Mahavidyalaya, Nimapara (hereinafter referred to as “the College”). On 24th November, 1991, the Appellant was elevated to the 1st post of Lecturer in English due to the resignation of Chaudhury Ramakanta Dash. Respondent No.4 was appointed against the 2nd post which was held by the Appellant prior to her being appointed to the 1st post of Lecturer. The services of the Appellant were terminated on 29th July, 2001 by the Special Officer of the College. Thereafter, Respondent No.4 was appointed to the 1st post of Lecturer in English on 14th October, 2001. On 3rd August, 2002, the Appellant filed an appeal challenging the order of termination of her service. The College was admitted to grant-in-aid w.e.f. 1