In Panaji, the high court of Bombay at Goa has directed the authorities to begin the process of regular promotion to the principal position at Shree Ganesh Higher Secondary School, Ganeshpuri-Mapusa, by convening the departmental promotion committee promptly. The court emphasized that regular promotions to the principal role should be finalized within two months. The vacancy for the principal position arose following the retirement of the previous principal on July 31. The court instructed the school management to consider appointing Shilpa Pai Panandikar as the acting principal with regards to seniority, and make a decision within ten days. Shilpa had petitioned the court to overturn an office order appointing Sandeep V Palni as the acting principal. The court emphasized the importance of seniority in such appointments, stating that the senior-most teacher should be given the acting principal role unless there are valid reasons not to do so. The school management had appointed Palni as the acting principal due to his background in science, but the court found this reasoning insufficient.The importance of seniority should be considered when appointing someone to an officiating role, as stated in Rule 86 of the Goa Education Rules 1986. In a recent case, Shilpa, represented by senior counsel S D Lotlikar, sought officiating charge of principal through legal action. The High Court noted that the rules prioritize promoting the senior-most teacher to fill vacancies for principal positions at higher secondary schools.