2019 (8) TMI 1850 - SC - Indian Laws

Interpretation of law - harmonizing - the words by another year - issue related to deemed confirmation of the services of the first respondent who was a probationer in the school of the appellants. - HELD THAT - It emerges from the consistent line of precedent of this Court that where the relevant rule or the appointment letter stipulates a condition precedent to the confirmation of service there is no deemed confirmation of service merely because the services of a probationer are continued beyond the period of probation. It is only upon the issuance of an order of confirmation that the probationer is granted substantive appointment in that post. Rule 105(2) stipulates the satisfaction of the appointing authority as a condition precedent to the issuance of an order of confirmation. The first respondent was continued as a probationer for nearly five years in contravention of Rule 105 of the 1973 Rules as well as the appointment letter dated 18 June 2008. There was no order of confirmation. Though the first respondent cannot claim a deemed confirmation of service without the issuance of an order of confirmation the power of this Court to do complete justice under Article 142 of the Constitution must be invoked in an appropriate manner. While there can be no deemed confirmation in the favour of the first respondent the relief can be suitably moulded by an award of ex-gratia compensation. A teacher who has spent five valuable years of her life and may now be overaged to get suitable employment elsewhere must not be left in the lurch. A management which has defied the law must be put to terms which we propose to do under Article 142. (i) The words by another year in Rule 105(1) of the 1973 Rules stipulate that the maximum period of probation permissible is two years. The limit equally applies to minority institutions covered by the first proviso to Rule 105; and (ii) Rule 105(2) stipulates a condition precedent to the issuance of an order of confirmation. The continuation of the services of a probationer beyond the period of probation does not amount to a deemed confirmation of service. It is only upon the issuance of an order of confirmation by the appointing authority that a probationer is confirmed in service.

Summary

Issues Involved:
1. Maximum period of probation permissible under Rule 105 of the Delhi School Education Rules, 1973.
2. Requirement of an order of confirmation for a probationer to be confirmed in service.
3. Interpretation of the words "by another year" in Rule 105(1).
4. Applicability of deemed confirmation of service.
5. The role of the Director's approval in extending probation for minority institutions.

Issue-Wise Detailed Analysis:

1. Maximum Period of Probation Permissible:
The Supreme Court examined Rule 105 of the Delhi School Education Rules, 1973, which mandates that every employee shall be on probation for a period of one year, extendable by another year with the prior approval of the Director. The Court clarified that the words "by another year" imply a single additional year, limiting the total probation period to two years. This interpretation aligns with the ordinary meaning of "another" as one more or an additional one. The Court rejected the contention that the probation period could be extended indefinitely, emphasizing that such an interpretation would defeat the purpose of probationary service.

2. Requirement of an Order of Confirmation:
The Court held that Rule 105(2) requires the issuance of an order of confirmation if the work and conduct of the probationer are satisfactory. The continuation of services beyond the probation period does not result in deemed confirmation without an explicit order of confirmation from the appointing authority. This principle was supported by consistent precedents, including GS Ramaswamy v Inspector General of Police and Kedar Nath Bahl v State of Punjab, which emphasized that confirmation requires a specific act by the employer.

3. Interpretation of "By Another Year":
The phrase "by another year" was interpreted to mean one additional year, not one year at a time without any limit. This interpretation was based on the literal and ordinary meaning of the words and the legislative intent to limit the probationary period. The Court noted that the consistent meaning imparted to "another" is a single addition, and any other interpretation would amount to rewriting the provision, which is impermissible.

4. Applicability of Deemed Confirmation:
The Court concluded that there is no deemed confirmation of service merely because a probationer is continued beyond the probation period. Rule 105(2) explicitly requires an order of confirmation, and the absence of such an order means the probationer does not acquire the status of a confirmed employee. The Court distinguished this case from Dharam Singh, where deemed confirmation was inferred due to the absence of any requirement for an order of confirmation in the relevant rules.

5. Role of the Director's Approval:
The Court emphasized that the prior approval of the Director is mandatory for extending the probation period, except for minority institutions. This requirement acts as a check on the appointing authority's discretion. The Director's approval ensures that extensions are not granted without legitimate reasons, thereby protecting the probationers' interests.

Conclusion:
The Supreme Court held that the maximum permissible probation period under Rule 105 is two years, and there is no deemed confirmation of service without an explicit order of confirmation. The Court directed the appellants to pay ex-gratia compensation to the respondent, recognizing the management's violation of the law and the respondent's prolonged probationary period. The judgment of the Delhi High Court was affirmed in part, and the case was remanded with specific directions for compliance.