Allahabad High Court Upholds Teacher Suspension for Absenteeism

Court's Ruling on Teacher Absenteeism

The Allahabad High Court has declined to intervene in the suspension of teachers found absent during an inspection, stating that their absence undermines the fundamental purpose of the Right to Education Act.

The court has also instructed the state government to formulate a policy within three months to ensure teacher attendance in schools.

Justice Prakash Padia, while disposing of the writ petitions filed by Indra Devi and Leena Singh Chauhan, emphasized that teachers are the 'pillars of knowledge' and hold a revered status as gurus in Indian culture. Therefore, it is the state's responsibility to provide uninterrupted education to children.

The District Basic Education Officer had suspended both teachers on the grounds of their absence during the inspection. The teachers challenged the order issued by the District Basic Education Officer.

In its order dated December 2, the court remarked, 'It is a well-known fact that a significant number of primary schools across the state are not seeing teachers arrive on time. Ensuring uninterrupted education for primary school children is the state's duty.'

The court further noted, 'Daily, cases are presented before this court alleging that teachers and principals are not arriving at school on time.'