Prayagraj, September 14, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Allahabad High Court has kept in abeyance the suspension of a teacher in Sambhal who was accused of allowing students to participate in Islamic prayers and wear uniforms indicating their affiliation with a particular community, directing authorities to complete the departmental enquiry preferably within 15 days.
A single-judge Bench of Justice Manju Rani Chauhan passed the order while disposing of a writ petition filed by the teacher challenging his suspension order dated May 10, 2026, issued by the District Basic Education Officer, Sambhal.
The teacher had contended that he was suspended over allegations that, while he was functioning as Incharge Headmaster, students were performing Islamic prayers and wearing uniforms indicating their affiliation with a particular community.
He maintained that he was on sanctioned medical leave during the relevant period and, therefore, could not have been present when the alleged activities took place. He also argued that even if he was considered the Incharge Headmaster at the relevant time, the allegations did not warrant a major penalty.
During the proceedings, the court was informed that a charge sheet dated September 3 had been served on the petitioner the same day.
Counsel for the Basic Shiksha Adhikari submitted that records accompanying the charge sheet indicated that, before November 14, 2025, the petitioner was visible at prayer services where students were allegedly performing Islamic prayers and wearing uniforms indicating affiliation with a particular community.
The teacher’s counsel, however, argued that the same records showed that the petitioner had been admitted to hospital and was on sanctioned medical leave during the relevant period. Counsel emphatically maintained that the petitioner was never present during the prayer services in question.
The High Court declined to examine the merits of the allegations at the writ stage, observing that the teacher could present his explanation and supporting documents as his defence during the departmental enquiry.
“During the departmental enquiry, the petitioner shall have ample opportunity to prove his innocence,” the court observed.
The court directed the authorities to conclude the departmental proceedings strictly in accordance with law at the earliest, preferably within 15 days from the date of the order.
It further ordered that the suspension order would remain in abeyance until the enquiry is concluded and would be subject to its final outcome. The authorities were also directed to provide all relevant documents to the petitioner within three days.
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