Allahabad HC stays suspension of Sambhal teacher in school prayer row

PRAYAGRAJ: The Allahabad High Court has kept the suspension of a government school teacher in Sambhal in abeyance, pending a departmental inquiry into allegations that Islamic prayers and religiously identifiable uniforms were introduced at the institution during his tenure as in-charge headmaster. Justice Manju Rani Chauhan directed the education authorities to conclude the inquiry preferably within 15 days.

The controversy stems from an order dated May 10, 2026, issued by the District Basic Education Officer in Sambhal, which placed Mohd Anzar Ahmad under suspension. The allegations claim that students were made to offer Islamic prayers and wear uniforms indicating affiliation with a “special community” while Ahmad was serving as the in-charge headmaster.

As reported by LawBeat, the accusations involve allowing and facilitating Islamic practices, including specific attire and prayers, at the government school. The writ petition was filed by Ahmad, challenging the suspension order and seeking relief from the court.

During the hearing, the state’s counsel submitted that official records indicated Ahmad was present during the prayer services in question. A charge-sheet was served to the petitioner on September 3, 2026, and the state claimed that records showed the petitioner was visible at the prayer services prior to November 14, 2025.

However, Ahmad’s legal counsel argued that the teacher was on sanctioned medical leave during the relevant period and was admitted to a hospital, meaning the alleged activities did not occur under his watch. The court declined to examine the merits of the allegations at the interim stage, observing that the teacher’s explanation and supporting documents could be considered during the departmental proceedings.

“During the departmental enquiry, the petitioner shall have ample opportunity to prove his innocence,” Justice Chauhan said in the September 7 order. The court disposed of the writ petition with the direction that the inquiry be brought to its logical conclusion strictly in accordance with the law.

The High Court’s decision to keep the suspension in abeyance highlights the judicial approach of allowing departmental mechanisms to first establish facts before imposing major penalties. By directing a time-bound inquiry, the court ensures that the disciplinary process is expedited, preventing prolonged uncertainty for the employee while maintaining administrative accountability.

The case also underscores the sensitive nature of religious practices in government educational institutions in Uttar Pradesh, where administrative actions regarding uniform and prayer codes frequently face legal scrutiny and require careful evidentiary assessment.

The departmental inquiry is now expected to commence immediately, with all relevant documents to be provided to the petitioner within three days of the order. The final outcome of the inquiry will determine whether the suspension is revoked permanently or if further disciplinary action is warranted based on the established facts.