J U D G M E N T

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Both these writ petitions are concerning appointment to the post of Headmaster in Dr. K.B. Menon Memorial High School, Thrithala. Therefore, these writ petitions are disposed of by a common judgment. The parties and exhibits are described / marked in this judgment as they are described / marked in W.P.(C) No.1072/2020.

2. W.P.(C) No.1072/2020 has been filed by the Headmistress of the School. The petitioner states that she was appointed as Headmistress on 01.06.2017 as per Ext.P1.

The appointment was approved by the District Educational Officer on 31.08.2017 as per Ext.P2. The 3^rd respondent filed an appeal. The appeal was rejected by the Deputy Director of Education as per Ext.P4. The 3^rd respondent preferred a second appeal before the Director of General Education. The Additional Director of General Education issued Ext.P6 order dated 04.01.2020 directing the Manager to appoint the 3^rd respondent as Headmaster.

3. The petitioner states that on the date of appointment, the petitioner was fully qualified and was the seniormost. Her appointment was strictly in accordance with law. An amendment to Rule 44A of Chapter XIVA KER , which provided for givi