In Panaji, the high court of Bombay at Goa has ordered that regular promotions to the role of principal at Shree Ganesh Higher Secondary School in Ganeshpuri-Mapusa should be initiated promptly, rather than allowing an "officiating charge" to continue indefinitely. The court has directed government authorities and other parties concerned to convene the departmental promotion committee and complete the process within two months. The previous principal retired on July 31, leading to a vacancy. The court also recommended that Shilpa Pai Panandikar be considered for the officiating charge based on her seniority. Shilpa had filed a petition seeking to overturn the decision to appoint Sandeep V Palni as the officiating principal instead. The court emphasized the importance of seniority in such appointments, even for temporary roles. Despite arguments about Palni's background in science education, the court dismissed this reasoning as insufficient.Proper consideration must be given to seniority when appointing someone to act in an official capacity. This principle was highlighted by the High Court in a case involving Shilpa, who believed she should have been appointed as an acting principal. Shilpa sought legal assistance from her advocate, senior counsel S D Lotlikar. The High Court pointed out that according to Rule 86 of the Goa Education Rules 1986, vacancies for the position of principal at a higher secondary school should be filled through promotion. It also emphasized the importance of considering the most senior teacher for the position.