The High Court recognized Education Minister Nara Lokesh for his swift reaction to the situation which occurred at Kasturba School in A. Kondur NTR district. The incident involved rats biting female students. The court confirmed that the minister responded without delay after the situation became public knowledge.
The bench stated that the district administration visited the school and supported the affected students. The court also referred to news reports. These reports mentioned that the minister had announced in the Legislative Assembly that salaries and allowances of teaching staff in Kasturba schools would increase. He also stated that vacant posts would be filled on a permanent basis after consultation with the central government.
The court observed that while the minister was taking corrective steps some officials were acting negligently. Such actions according to the bench would harm the government's standing in public opinion.
Contempt Case Against Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan Project Director
The remarks came during the hearing of a suo motu contempt of court case. The case relates to the violation of a court assurance. The assurance concerned the continuation of services of part-time PG teachers (PGTs) working in Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs).
The bench expressed dissatisfaction with Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan Project Director Srinivasa Rao. The court stated that he appeared to protect lower-level staff who failed to implement court orders. In a previous hearing he informed the court that he had issued notices to responsible officials. The latest affidavit showed that notices were issued only after the court intervened.
The bench reached its ruling which established that the act caused court deception. The warning explained that authorities would begin criminal contempt proceedings against the accused. The organization announced its plans to reach out to the Ministry of Personnel and Training for essential steps. The court rejected the existing affidavit and ordered the submission of a new document. The hearing received a three-week extension for its proceedings.
Background of the Legal Dispute
The High Court received a case from multiple PGTs who worked at KGBVs in 2023. The teachers claimed that their dismissal from employment had occurred. The single judge overturned their dismissal and permitted them to stay at work.
The authorities later appealed the decision. The petitioners would keep their positions according to the authorities during the appeal process. The High Court initiated contempt proceedings against the Project Director because he did not fulfill his commitment to the court.
The latest judicial orders which Justice Battu Devanand and Justice Hariharanatha Sharma issued on Tuesday. The court will make its decision about permanent post assignments in KGBVs after hearing all arguments on the matter.
