J U D G M E N T

This writ petition is preferred by the Manager of an aided Higher Secondary School, who is aggrieved by refusal of the 3^rd respondent – Regional Deputy Director to accord prior sanction under Rule 74 of the Kerala Education Rules for imposing the penalty of compulsory retirement on the 4^th respondent, despite proved misconduct and to reinstate the 4^th respondent into service, thereby seriously prejudicing the discipline, safety and academic environment of the institution.

2. Ext.P4 Memo of charges was laid against the

4^th respondent in connection with unauthorized removal of Attendance Register of Plus One Commerce Batch, which was found missing since 07.01.2025. CCTV footage showed that the 4^th respondent unauthorisedly entered the office room and removed the record. The said conclusion is reinforced from the text message inadvertently sent by the 4^th respondent to a Teacher mentioning the name, address and Aadhaar Number of one of the girl students in Plus One Commerce Batch, available from the Attendance Register. Ext.P4 Final Report filed following Ext.P1 FIR implicated the

4^th respondent under Sections 306 and 238C of BNS. 3. In the inquiry, the Inquiry Authori