JUDGMENT :

1. Heard Sri Aklank Kumar Jain, learned counsel for the appellants- petitioners and Sri Devesh Vikram, learned Additional Chief Standing Counsel for the State-respondents.

2. Present Special Appeal has been preferred assailing the validity of the impugned judgment and order dated 12.03.2024 passed in Writ A No. 17951 of 2018 (Ratnesh Kumar and 3 others vs. State of Uttar Pradesh and 5 others).

3. It appears from the record that “Jwala Prasad Tiwari Junior High School, Bhauti, Kanpur Nagar” [the institution], is a recognised & aided Junior High School. The institution is governed by the provisions of Uttar Pradesh Basic Education Act, 1972[Act, 1972]; the rules framed thereunder and the provisions of Uttar Pradesh Junior High School (Payment of Salary to Teachers and other employees) Act, 1978 [Act, 1978]. The District Basic Education Officer, Kanpur Nagar vide order dated 25.6.2011 had accorded approval for filling up four vacant posts of Assistant Teacher in the institution. The meeting of Selection Committee, which also consisted the nominee of District Basic Education Officer, was held on 15.12.2011, wherein appointment of petitioners was recommended for approval. Finall