GUWAHATI, India, Aug. 8 -- Gauhati High Court issued the following order on July 10:
Heard Mr. D.S. Bhattacharya, learned counsel for the petitioners. Also heard Mr. S.S. Roy, learned CGC for the respondents no. 1, 2 & 3.
The petitioners are parents of students who are currently pursuing their education at Sainik School East Siang (SSES), IGC Niglok, in the State of Arunachal Pradesh. The learned counsel for the petitioners submits that this is the only Sainik School established in Arunachal Pradesh, and it is presently functioning under the leadership of its Principal - Commander Praveen Kumar Pola. Under his tenure, the school has excelled in both academics and cocurricular activities. However, without adhering to the prescribed norms and procedures, the Army Headquarters issued the impugned order dated 22.04.2025, by which Col. Anant Thapan is shown to be posted as the new Principal of Sainik School East Siang. The said order makes no reference to the incumbent Principal, who is currently serving as the Principal.
The petitioners, being concerned parents, contend that the said order have been issued without the approval of the competent authority, namely the Sainik School Society, and without assigning any reasons for the sudden transfer of the present Principal. The petitioners apprehend that such an abrupt change, without following due process, is likely to disrupt the academic environment and adversely affect the future of the students and the overall functioning of the school.
Under such circumstances, the parents, being deeply concerned about the proper functioning of the school and the future of their children, have approached this Hon'ble Court seeking a direction to stay or quash the order of transfer purportedly issued by the Army Headquarters, on the ground that the said order was passed without the authority of the appropriate competent authority.
Mr. S.S. Roy submits that he has no instructions in the matter at present and seeks time to obtain complete instructions. Let the matter be listed again on 28.07.2025 to enable him to complete the instructions.
Having heard the learned counsel for the parties, this Court is of the view that the learned CGC be permitted to complete his instructions and considering the submissions of the learned counsel for the petitioner that the impugned order have been issued without the approval of the appropriate authority, namely the Sainik School Society, it is directed that the impugned order dated 22.04.2025 shall not be given effect to until the next date of hearing, without leave of this Hon'ble Court.
The petitioners may move the Registry for transfer of the matter to the Itanagar Bench, if so advised, in the meantime.
The learned counsel for the petitioners shall ensure service of extra copies on the CGC during the course of the day.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
