JUDGMENT Dated this the 20^th day of February, 2026 The Travancore Devaswom Board invited applications for the post of UPSA in various Schools under the Corporate Educational Agency. Based on the written test, the petitioner was invited for an interview as per Ext.P1 Call Letter. The petitioner performed well in both the written test and the interview and was included as Rank No.2 in the final select list published as per Ext.P2.

2. Respondents 8 to 12 are persons who were also included in Ext.P2 select list, but were ranked junior to the petitioner. The petitioner as well as respondents 8 to 12 were offered appointment as UPSA with effect from 27.02.2023. Except the petitioner, all others, namely respondents 8 to 12, were appointed against permanent retirement vacancies as UPSA. At the same time, the petitioner was offered appointment in a long leave vacancy consequent to the leave availed by Smt.Preetha G. from 19.01.2023 to 31.12.2026. However, the Controlling Officer, as per Ext.P4, rejected the appointment of the petitioner on the ground that the said vacancy ought to have been filled by appointing protected Teachers.

3. Later, the petitioner was appointed in a permanent vacancy