High court declared rule for age of retirement for teachers working in government
and government-aided colleges
The high court on Wednesday 22nd June, ruled that the age
of retirement for teachers working in government and government-aided colleges,
drawing a scale of pay set by the University Grants Commission (UGC) would be 65
years. Justice Ananda Byrareddy issued this direction while hearing a
petition filed by H. Harish, assistant professor, SJR College of Science and M. Albina,
principal, Mount Carmel College.
The petitioners contended that under a regulation issued by UGC in 2010, the age
of retirement for teachers drawing UGC scale of pay is 65 years. However, the state
government made it 62 years in some colleges, and 65 years in some others. The government
cannot implement UGC regulations in bits and pieces, the petitioners argued, seeking
that the implementation of the UGC regulations be made uniform, so that all teachers
drawing UGC pay scales retire at 65 years of age.
The 2010 UGC regulation provided for a common revision of pay scales of teachers
of universities and colleges (affiliated or constituent) established under the Central,
State or Provincial Acts, and also enhanced retirement age to 65 years.
Justice Ananda Byrareddy held that denial by the state government of the enhanced
retirement age to college teachers violated the UGC Act and Regulations, and directed
that petitioners H. Harish and M. Albina shall continue in service until they attain
the age of retirement of 65 years. They could also avail all consequent benefits.
Justice Byrareddy ruled that any executive government orders that contradict this
direction would be overruled.
Courtesy: DNA India
