C. C. PADMANABHAN & OTHERS vs THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTIONS AND OTHERS

The Supreme Court ruled that the reversion of Assistant Educational Officers to the post of High School Assistant after six years of service is arbitrary and violates Articles 14 and 16 of the Constitution. The Court emphasized that the post of Assistant Educational Officer is a promotional position with higher emoluments and benefits, including special pay counted towards pension, which are not available to High School Assistants. The Court held that such a transfer constitutes a reversion and is therefore invalid under the relevant rules and constitutional provisions.