Allahabad High Court Orders Statewide Probe Into Fake Teacher Appointments, Calls Fraud a Threat to Education System
By Rajesh Pandey
Taking a firm stand against the growing menace of forged appointments in Uttar Pradesh’s education sector, the Allahabad High Court has directed the state government to conduct a comprehensive and time-bound verification of Assistant Teachers appointed based on fabricated certificates.
In a strong mandamus issued to the Principal Secretary of Basic Education, the court instructed that the entire exercise be completed preferably within six months.
It further ordered that all illegal appointments must be cancelled, salaries recovered, and strict disciplinary as well as penal action taken against officials found to be involved in or turning a blind eye to such fraud.
The ruling came while dismissing a writ petition filed by Garima Singh, who had challenged the termination of her appointment after authorities discovered that her educational and domicile certificates were forged.
The order was passed by Justice Manju Rani Chauhan, who expressed serious concern over the systemic failure to curb such illegal practices despite multiple government circulars and instructions.
Fraud Strikes at the Core of Education, Says Court
The High Court observed that continued inaction by authorities not only allows fraud to flourish but also directly harms students, whose interests must remain paramount.
“Such inaction perpetuates fraud and strikes at the very root of the education system, causing grave prejudice to students,” the court remarked.
Background of the Case
Garima Singh’s appointment had been cancelled by the District Basic Education Officer in Deoria after verification revealed that her documents were forged.
She claimed she was appointed in July 2010 after document scrutiny and had served nearly 15 years without complaint.
Her counsel argued that the cancellation was arbitrary and passed without giving her a proper hearing, allegedly based on a complaint by a relative.
However, the state government countered that:
- A notice had been issued to her
- She failed to respond or produce genuine documents
- Employment obtained through fraud does not entitle the beneficiary to procedural protections under the Uttar Pradesh Government Servant (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1999
When the court began dictating its order, the petitioner’s lawyer attempted to withdraw the case, citing the availability of an alternative remedy through appeal. The High Court rejected this, stating that alternative remedies do not bar judicial review where a denial of a hearing is alleged.
Ultimately, the court found no merit in the petition and dismissed it.
Statewide Clean-Up Ordered
Before concluding, the High Court issued sweeping directions to cleanse the education system of fraudulent appointments. It noted that many such individuals continue in service for years, often with:
- Open collusion of school managements
- Active or silent approval of Basic Shiksha Adhikaris (BSAs)
The court ordered:
A full audit of Assistant Teacher appointments across Uttar Pradesh
Cancellation of illegal appointments
Recovery of wrongly paid salaries
Severe action against officials who abetted or ignored fraud
The judgment dated January 22 sends a strong warning that compromising the quality and integrity of education will not be tolerated.
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