The Supreme Constitutional Court of Cyprus has issued an important ruling, dismissing an appeal by the Education Ministry and upholding the annulment of an administrative decision in a case involving a special-education speech therapist.
The case dates back to 2016, when the educator asked for permission to provide privately just three therapy sessions a week in the specialised field of dysphagia, supporting people with severe difficulties, including cerebral palsy.
The ministry rejected the request, citing a circular, a ban on self-employment and a vague claim that the activity was incompatible with her duties. The educator challenged the decision before the Administrative Court and won, after which the ministry pursued an appeal.
The Supreme Court found that the administrative decision had not been properly reasoned and that no meaningful inquiry had been carried out into whether her official duties were actually affected. The ruling sends a clear signal: internal circulars cannot override the law or replace a properly supported administrative judgment.
