The Allahabad High Court has put on hold the suspension of a government school teacher facing allegations that students were made to participate in Islamic prayers and wear attire associated with the Muslim community.
Justice Manju Rani Chauhan directed the authorities to complete the departmental enquiry against teacher Mohd. Anzar Ahmad at the earliest, preferably within 15 days.
Until the enquiry is completed, the suspension order will remain in abeyance and will ultimately be governed by the outcome of the proceedings.
The Court passed the order while dealing with Ahmad’s challenge to his suspension by the District Basic Education Officer, Sambhal, on May 10.
The allegations relate to activities at a government school where students were allegedly asked to recite Allama Iqbal’s poem Lab Pe Aati Hai Dua during morning prayers. It was further alleged that students belonging to other faiths were asked to wear Muslim attire, including hijabs for girls and skull caps for boys.
An enquiry was subsequently initiated in May, following which several school officials, including Ahmad, who was serving as the in-charge headmaster, were suspended.
Ahmad disputed the allegations and maintained that he was on sanctioned medical leave when the incidents in question allegedly occurred. His side also argued that the allegations, even if established, would not justify the imposition of a major penalty.
The State, however, told the Court that a chargesheet had already been issued to Ahmad. It maintained that he was present at the school when the students were allegedly engaged in the activities forming the subject matter of the enquiry.
The teacher continued to deny this assertion and relied on his medical leave as part of his defence.
The High Court made it clear that it would not assess the disputed allegations at the interim stage. Instead, it said Ahmad would have sufficient opportunity during the departmental proceedings to establish his defence and place the relevant documents before the enquiry authority.
The Court therefore directed that the enquiry be completed expeditiously and disposed of the petition with the protection against suspension continuing until the proceedings conclude.
The matter arose in Mohd. Anzar Ahmad v. Principal Secretary, Basic Education and Others.
