In Panaji, the high court of Bombay at Goa has ordered the initiation of the process for regular promotion to the principal position at Shree Ganesh Higher Secondary School, Ganeshpuri-Mapusa. The court stressed that the practice of holding an officiating charge indefinitely cannot continue. It has instructed all relevant parties, including government authorities, to convene the departmental promotion committee promptly. The completion of the promotions should be carried out within two months as a vacancy for the principal position arose when the previous principal retired on July 31. The court, led by Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice M S Karnik, advised the school management to consider appointing Shilpa Pai Panandikar as officiating principal, based on seniority, within ten days. Shilpa had taken the matter to court after another individual was given the officiating charge. The high court emphasized the importance of respecting seniority when assigning officiating responsibilities, even if it is not a permanent promotion. While the school management had argued that the incumbent was chosen for his science background, the court determined this reasoning to be inadequate.The importance of considering seniority when assigning officiating roles, such as in the case of appointing a principal, was emphasized by the High Court. Shilpa, who felt she should have been given the opportunity to act as principal, sought legal guidance from 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 in principal positions at high schools should be filled through promotion, with a priority on selecting the most senior teacher.