KU. BHAWANA vs STATE OF MAHARASHTRA .

The Supreme Court addressed the inter se seniority dispute between the appellant and the 5th respondent, both appointed as Assistant Teachers under the Maharashtra Employees of Private Schools (Conditions of Service) Rules, 1981. The Court held that seniority is determined based on the date of qualification and appointment, affirming the decision of the Competent Authority that the 5th respondent, being a trained teacher from the outset, was senior to the appellant who became trained later. The Court upheld the High Court's ruling, emphasizing the importance of qualifications under Rule 12 of the Rules, 1981.