JUTHIKA BHATTACHARYA vs STATE OF MADHYA PRADESH & ORS.

The Supreme Court held that the term 'should' in the 1967 memorandum regarding qualifications for the post of Principal of a Higher Secondary School is to be interpreted as mandatory, not directory. The Court dismissed the appellant's appeal, stating that she could not claim benefits from the 1972 amendment as it applied only to specific teachers, and emphasized that possessing a post-graduate degree is essential for the appointment. The ruling clarified that the qualifications outlined in the memorandum must be strictly adhered to, reinforcing the importance of educational qualifications in public service appointments.