In Panaji, the High Court of Bombay at Goa has directed government authorities to begin the process of regular promotion to the position of principal at Shree Ganesh Higher Secondary School in Ganeshpuri-Mapusa. The court emphasized that holding an officiating charge indefinitely is not appropriate and ordered the departmental promotion committee to convene promptly. The court instructed that the regular promotion process should be completed within two months. The vacancy for the principal position arose when the previous principal retired on July 31. The court recommended the school management to appoint Shilpa Pai Panandikar to the officiating role of principal based on seniority and to finalize the decision within ten days. Shilpa had petitioned the court to challenge an office order that appointed Sandeep V Palni as the officiating principal. The court reiterated the importance of respecting seniority even in interim appointments and highlighted that unless there are valid reasons against the senior-most teacher, they should be given the officiating charge. The school management had justified Palni's appointment based on his science background, but the court dismissed this argument, emphasizing that seniority should take precedence."It is necessary to consider the importance of seniority when assigning officiating duties, such as the case of appointing a principal. Seniority should not be disregarded for reasons such as offering officiating charge. Shilpa, who believed she deserved the role of principal on an officiating basis, sought legal advice from her advocate, senior counsel S D Lotlikar, and approached the court. The High Court noted that as per rule 86 of the Goa Education Rules 1986, vacancies for principal positions in higher secondary schools must be filled through promotion, giving priority to the most senior teacher during the selection process."