The High Court of Bombay at Goa has directed government authorities to facilitate the process of regular promotion to the position of principal at Shree Ganesh Higher Secondary School, Ganeshpuri-Mapusa. The court emphasized that holding an "officiating charge" indefinitely is not acceptable and ordered the completion of the promotions within two months. Following the retirement of the previous principal on July 31, a vacancy arose at the school. The court suggested granting the officiating charge to Shilpa Pai Panandikar based on seniority and advised the school management to make a decision within ten days. Shilpa had petitioned the court to invalidate the decision that appointed Sandeep V Palni as the officiating principal. The court emphasized the importance of respecting seniority, even in officiating appointments, unless there are valid reasons to do otherwise. The argument that Palni had a background in science was deemed insufficient as a reason for the appointment."It is important to give proper consideration to seniority when appointing someone to an officiating position, such as that of a principal. The court noted that according to rule 86 of the Goa Education Rules 1986, vacancies for principal positions in higher secondary schools should be filled through promotion, with preference given to the most senior teacher. In this case, Shilpa, who should have been appointed as officiating principal, sought legal assistance from her advocate, senior counsel S.D. Lotlikar."