In a writ petition filed before the Allahabad High Court seeking quashing of a suspension order dated 10-05-2026 by the District Basic Education Officer, Sambhal, a Single Judge Bench of Justice Manju Rani Chauhan directed for the departmental inquiry to be brought to its logical conclusion within 15 days and till then, stayed the impugned order.
On a previous date of hearing, the petitioner submitted that he was placed under suspension after serious allegations were made against him stating that when he was the In charge Headmaster, students performed Islamic prayers and wore uniforms which indicated that they belonged to a special community. It was contended that since the petitioner was on sanctioned medical leave for a certain period, the alleged activities did not take place during his tenure.
The respondents submitted that a charge sheet dated 03-09-2026 had been served upon the petitioner on 07-09-2026 and that along with that there were certain records in which it was mentioned that prior to 14-11-2025, the petitioner was visible at the prayer services where the students were performing Islamic prayers and were wearing the said uniforms.
The Court opined that the charges against the petitioner could not be examined at the present stage and that the petitioner’s explanation as well as the documents that he relied on could be raised as a defence in the departmental enquiry where he would have ample opportunity to prove his innocence. Thus, the petition was disposed of with a direction for the inquiry initiated against the petitioner to be brought to its logical conclusion strictly as per law within 15 days. However, till such conclusion, the impugned order was stayed.
