A RETIRED schoolteacher has won a constitutional claim against the State after a High Court judge found that prolonged delays by the Ministry of Education denied her a fair opportunity to be considered for promotion.

In a ruling delivered last Friday, Justice Frank Seepersad upheld the case brought by Deborah Cassim, finding breaches of her rights to equality before the law, protection of the law and equal treatment by a public authority.

The judge ruled that Cassim is entitled to compensation but deferred the assessment of damages to a High Court master, who will determine the amount at a later stage.