The Supreme Court has ruled on the promotion and seniority rights of Elementary School Teachers (ESTs) in Punjab, declaring that they are entitled to 50 per cent promotions on the basis of seniority and eligibility.
The court set aside the orders issued by the Punjab Service Tribunal and the Education Department on May 24, 2023, in the case concerning the teachers’ promotions.
The Supreme Court also directed that the petitioner be granted the previous promotion-related benefits from the date on which their cancellation took effect.
The court observed that creating ambiguity in the promotion and seniority of government employees is contrary to the principles of good governance. It further held that government employees should not be made to suffer because of ambiguities in laws and service rules.
The Supreme Court also stated that withdrawing promotions already granted to government employees is against good governance.
The ruling provides clarification on the seniority and promotion rights of Punjab’s Elementary School Teachers and establishes that uncertainty or ambiguity in relevant laws and rules cannot be used to deprive eligible government employees of their lawful benefits.