Shimla, May 16
The Himachal Pradesh High court in a strong worded order gave ultimatum to state education department for complying with its directives failing to which the contempt proceedings to be ordered by the court.
On May 13, 2024, Justice Ajay Mohan Goel, sitting as a single judge bench, delivered a stern warning to the Himachal Pradesh state authorities regarding the recruitment and promotion rules for Diploma holders in Physical Education (DPE) lecturers for senior secondary classes.
The court, frustrated by the lack of compliance with its previous judgment in the case of ‘DPEs Sang vs State of Himachal Pradesh’, issued a clear ultimatum. “If the state failed to adhere to the judgment by May 20, 2024, it would invoke contempt proceedings against the Director of Education and other respondents under Article 215 of the Indian Constitution.” two pages order cautioned the state.
In his scathing remarks, Justice Goel criticized the Director of Education and the Secretary of Education for their blatant disregard and disrespect towards the court’s directives, which had been ignored for over a year and a half since the initial judgment.
The court’s patience had worn thin, evident in its rejection of the state counsel’s plea for additional time to implement the court order.
By setting a firm deadline for compliance and warning of potential consequences for non-compliance, Justice Goel emphasized the gravity of the situation. It was a clear message to the state authorities that they could not flout court orders with impunity.
It highlighted the struggles faced by Diploma holders in Physical Education seeking fair recruitment and promotion opportunities in Himachal Pradesh’s senior secondary education system. As the deadline of May 20, 2024, loomed, all eyes were on the state authorities to see if they would finally comply with the court’s directives or face the consequences of contempt proceedings.
It is worthwhile to mention that on December 2022 high court passed a judgement issuing direction to the Respondents to frame Recruitment & Promotion Rules for the category of DPEs, who, on account of their teaching 10+1 and 10+2 classes are getting pay scale of Lecturer, expeditiously, preferably within a period of two months thereby re-designating them as Lecturers.
However after passing of more than, one and half years directions were issued by concerned bench of Himachal Pradesh High court Rules have not been framed by the Department till date. The court said that it reflects the callous attitude of respondents towards the petitioner.
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