Balakrishnan Nair, J.

The point to be decided in both the cases being the same, they are being disposed of by a common judgment. The point that has arisen for decision in these cases is whether a person who has passed B.Ed. through correspondence course from the Annamalai University, though the said Degree is recognized by the Universities in Kerala, is eligible for appointment as Headmaster. The brief facts necessary for the disposal of the cases are the following:

W.A. NO. 183/2000 T

The appellant joined the service of the second respondent's School as H.S.A. on 18.9.1973. He was a Language Teacher. He has continuous service in that cadre from 28.1.1976. He passed B.A. in 1986 and B.Ed. in 1988. The fifth respondent joined the school as H.S.A. on 15.6.1983. She joined with B.A. and B.Ed. She passed B.Ed. Degree from Annamalai University on 31.12.1980 and at the relevant time the same was recognized by the Universities in Kerala. But from 1981 onwards, it is submitted, the recognition of the said degree was withdrawn by our Universities.

2. A vacancy in the post of Headmaster in the second respondent's School arose on 1.6.1998. Admittedly, the appellant is senior in the ca