JUDGMENT : The petitioners were granted exemption on completion of 50 years to become Headmasters in various Government High Schools. The respondents approached the Tribunal challenging the exemption. The Tribunal allowed the Original Applications filed by the respondents. 2. The Original Applications were filed before the Tribunal in the year 2014. Subsequently, an amendment has been made in the Kerala Education Rules, 1959. In tune with the amendment, a counter affidavit has been filed by the 12th respondent in OP(KAT) No. 66/2016 before this Court, in which it is stated as follows: “6. After the Judgment in OA No.419/2014 dated 18.05.2015 of the Kerala Administrative Tribunal, no teachers without qualifying departmental test are considered for promotion in the cadre of HM/AEO. As per letter no. D5/26067/2016/DPI dated 16.07.2016 requested for a clarification from the Government in this matter. The qualification for the post Headmaster of the Aided Schools in prescribed in Rule 44 A of Chapter XIV A of the Kerala Educational rules, which provides that, subject to the provisions contained in sub rule (5) of Rule 44, the minimum service qualification for the appointment as Headmaster in Aided complete High School/Training Schools shall be twelve years of continuous graduate service with a pass in the test in Kerala Education Act and pass in Account Test (Lower) conducted by the Kerala Public Service Commission. The 2 nd proviso under Rule 44 (1) provides that the teachers who have attained the age of 50 years shall stand exempted permanently from acquiring the test qualification specified in Sub Rule(1).” In the light of the above counter affidavit, we find that there is no scope for the apprehension on the side of petitioners herein. Recording the afore-quoted paragraph No. 6 of the counter affidavit, these Original Petitions stand disposed of.