Administrative delay in appointment approval may violate a petitioner's right to timely salary disbursement.

J U D G M E N T

The 5^th respondent as Manager of Malayattil Kesavan Nair Memorial Higher Secondary School appointed the petitioner as HSST English, in the school, as per Ext.P1 in a permanent post which arouse due to the promotion of one HSST as Principal.

2. Subsequently, the 5^th respondent has submitted Ext.P2 before the 3^rd respondent for the approval of the appointment effected by Ext.P1. As on date, the 3^rd respondent has not acted upon Ext.P2, and hence now the petitioner is denied salary. Hence, the petitioner has filed this writ petition.

3. I have heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned Government Pleader representing respondents 1 to 3. Notice to respondents 4 and 5 is dispensed with in view of the natue of the reliefs to be granted in this writ petition.

4. The petitioner is aggrieved by the non-

consideration of Ext.P2. Ext.P2 has been sent by the Manager of the School to the Regional Deputy Director for approving the appointment of the petitioner in the post of HSST. The petitioner submits that in view of non approval of the appointment, the petitioner is not paid salary in the approved scale. As the proposal is made on 03.10.2024, if the same is not considered so far, a decision thereon shall be taken within a reasonable time.

Writ petition is disposed of directing the 3^rd respondent to consider Ext.P2 and take appropriate decision thereon, if no decision is taken so far, within a period of two months. If the petitioner is holding lean to the lower post, the petitioner shall be paid salary appliable to the lower post until a decision is taken on Ext.P2.

Sd/-