Prayagraj: The Allahabad High Court has directed that the suspension of a teacher in Sambhal district be kept in abeyance until the conclusion of a departmental inquiry into allegations that students at the school were performing Islamic prayers and wearing uniforms indicating that they belonged to a particular community.

The court, however, did not adjudicate on the merits of the allegations at this stage. The order was passed on September 7, by Justice Manju Rani Chauhan in Writ-A No. 12781 of 2026. The petition challenged the suspension order dated May 10, issued by the District Basic Education Officer, Sambhal.

The petitioner’s counsel told the court that the teacher had been suspended over allegations relating to the period when he was serving as the In-charge Headmaster.

According to the petitioner, he was admitted to hospital and was on sanctioned medical leave during the relevant period. His counsel submitted that the leave application and status had already been placed on record with the writ petition.

The petitioner also maintained that he was never present during the prayer services when the alleged activities took place.

The matter had earlier come up before the court on August 19, when counsel appearing for the Basic Education Department sought time to obtain instructions.

On September 7, the department informed the court that a charge-sheet dated September 3, had been served on the petitioner on the same day.

The department further submitted that certain records accompanying the charge-sheet indicated that, prior to November 14, 2025, the petitioner was visible at prayer services where students were allegedly performing Islamic prayers and wearing uniforms indicating that they belonged to a particular community.

Justice Chauhan observed that the charges against the petitioner could not be examined at this stage. The court noted that the petitioner could rely on his medical records, sanctioned leave and other documents in his defence during the departmental inquiry.

The court said the petitioner would have adequate opportunity during the inquiry to establish his innocence.

The High Court consequently disposed of the writ petition with a direction that the departmental inquiry be brought to its logical conclusion strictly in accordance with law at the earliest, preferably within 15 days. Until the inquiry is concluded, the May 10 suspension order has been directed to remain in abeyance and will abide by the final outcome of the departmental inquiry.

The order does not make a finding that the allegations against the teacher are either proved or false. The factual issues, including the teacher’s alleged presence during the prayer services and his claim of sanctioned medical leave, are to be considered in the departmental proceedings.