J U D G M E N T

Dated this the 12^th day of February, 2026 The petitioner states that the petitioner was appointed as HST (Natural Science) with effect from 26.07.2021 in the vacancy of Smt. Meenakumari, HST (Natural Science), who retired from service on 31.05.2021. Initially, the appointment was approved for the period from 01.11.2021 to 31.03.2022 on daily wages as per Ext.P1 order. The Manager preferred a revision before the 2^nd respondent against Ext.P1 order and approval was ordered on regular basis with effect from 26.07.2021.

2. In the year 2021-2022, the Schools in the State were re-opened on 01.11.2021 as per Exts.P13 and P14 orders. KER Chapter VII Rule 2A defines the Academic Year as “Academic Year shall be deemed to commence on the re-opening day and terminate on the last day before summer vacation.”

3. The 1^st respondent had issued Ext.P6 order and it was ordered that 1:40 ratio in 9^th and 10^th Standards is extended for the year 2022-2023 for retaining the existing Teachers. During the year 2021-2022, it was sanctioned 10 divisions in the High School section and the same divisions were sanctioned during the year 2022-2023 by implementing 1:40 ratio. Even though 10 divisi