Prayagraj : The Allahabad High Court has kept in abeyance the suspension of a government school teacher in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal district, who was facing allegations that students were made to participate in Islamic religious practices at the school. The court directed the authorities to complete the pending departmental inquiry at the earliest, preferably within 15 days.
The case concerns Mohd. Anzar Ahmed, who challenged the suspension order issued by the District Basic Education Officer, Sambhal, on May 10, 2026. The allegations relate to activities involving students at the government school while Ahmed was serving as its in-charge headmaster.
The High Court, however, did not decide the truth of the allegations at this stage. Instead, it directed that the departmental process be completed according to law and that the suspension remain in abeyance until the inquiry reaches its conclusion.
Teacher denies allegations
The allegations against Ahmed relate to students allegedly participating in Islamic prayers and wearing clothing associated with a particular religious community.
Reports on the case said that girl students were allegedly made to wear hijabs and boys skull caps. It was also alleged that students recited the Urdu poem Lab Pe Aati Hai Dua by poet Muhammad Iqbal during morning prayers. Videos showing students in such attire had circulated widely online, following which authorities ordered an inquiry.
Ahmed has denied the allegations. His principal defence before the High Court was that he was on sanctioned medical leave during the period in question and had been hospitalised. He contended that he was therefore not present when the alleged activities took place.
The state, however, disputed this position and submitted that official records indicated that Ahmed was present during the activities being investigated.
Court leaves merits to departmental inquiry
Justice Manju Rani Chauhan heard Ahmed’s petition challenging the suspension.
The court did not undertake a detailed examination of the competing claims at this stage. Instead, it held that the teacher would have an opportunity to present his defence and supporting documents during the departmental inquiry.
The court specifically directed that the inquiry be brought to its logical conclusion strictly in accordance with law, preferably within 15 days. It also directed the authorities to provide the relevant documents to the teacher within three days.
The court’s order therefore does not amount to an exoneration of Ahmed. The allegations remain subject to the departmental investigation, and the eventual findings could determine what further action, if any, is taken against him.
Suspension kept in abeyance
The High Court directed that the suspension order remain in abeyance until the conclusion of the inquiry and that it abide by the final outcome of the proceedings.
The distinction is important because the court has not ruled that the allegations are false. Instead, it has provided interim relief while requiring the disciplinary authorities to complete the investigation promptly.
The court also indicated that the teacher would have sufficient opportunity to establish his defence during the inquiry. This includes his claim concerning medical leave and hospitalisation during the period in which the alleged activities are said to have occurred.
Controversy began after videos circulated
The matter came to public attention after videos from the school were circulated online showing students wearing hijabs and skull caps.
The Sambhal administration subsequently ordered an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the activities. Ahmed and an assistant teacher were suspended on May 10, while another teacher was also suspended for allegedly failing to inform senior officials about the matter, according to reports.
The allegations have generated discussion about religious practices in government-run educational institutions and the responsibilities of school authorities.
At the same time, the High Court’s intervention has shifted the immediate focus towards the disciplinary process and the need to establish the facts through an appropriate inquiry.
Due process remains central
The court’s order underlines the importance of completing disciplinary proceedings before reaching conclusions about an employee’s responsibility.
In this case, Ahmed has disputed the allegations and presented a specific defence regarding his absence from the school. The authorities, meanwhile, have relied on records that they say indicate his presence.
Rather than determining which version is correct in the writ proceedings, the court has directed that the departmental inquiry examine the matter.
This approach leaves the factual questions to the inquiry officer while ensuring that the process is not allowed to remain pending indefinitely.
Inquiry expected to determine next step
The departmental inquiry now assumes central importance in the case. The authorities have been asked to complete it preferably within 15 days, with relevant documents to be supplied to Ahmed.
Its findings could determine whether the allegations against the teacher are substantiated and whether disciplinary action should continue.
Until then, the suspension remains in abeyance in accordance with the High Court’s order.
The case has attracted attention because it involves allegations concerning religious practices in a government school, but the court’s immediate intervention has focused primarily on procedural fairness and the timely completion of the inquiry.
The final determination will depend on the evidence presented during the departmental proceedings. Until that process is completed, the allegations against Ahmed remain allegations and have not been judicially established.