Allahabad High Court Nullifies Teacher’s Suspension, Cites DM’s Overreach in School Supervision

The Allahabad High Court has nullified the suspension of a teacher by the District Basic Education Officer, Sambhal, emphasizing that the District Magistrate (DM), primarily a Revenue Officer, lacks the authority to oversee schools governed by the Board of Basic Education.

The suspension stemmed from a joint report by the Deputy Collector and Block Education Officer, following an inspection ordered by the DM.

The court, in response to a petition filed by the teacher, Santosh Kumari, declared the order illegal and instructed the DM to justify his involvement in the school’s management.

Similarly, the Basic Siksha Adhikari was directed to explain why the DM was allowed to interfere in the administration of the school.

“The Allahabad High Court has declared that the District Magistrate, a primarily revenue-focused officer, holds no authority to supervise schools governed by the Board of Basic Education. It emphasized that such interference is beyond the DM’s jurisdiction, rendering the suspension order of the teacher grossly illegal.”

Basic Shiksha Adhikari, who is answerable in line to the Additional Director (Basic), the Director, Basic Education and then the Secretary in the department of Basic Education headed by a Minister.

The District Magistrate/Collector, who is essentially a Revenue Officer, has no role to play in supervision of schools, established by the Board of Basic Education

Pending further orders, the court suspended the operation of the October 25, 2024 suspension order and instructed that the teacher continue her duties and receive her salary.

The court also mandated that this directive be communicated to the relevant authorities within 24 hours.

The next hearing is scheduled for January 7, 2025, by which time all affidavits and a status report on pleadings must be submitted.