Authority: High Court of Judicature at Bombay, Nagpur Bench
Order Date: 8th October 2026
Case Overview
- Parties: Guruchhaya Bahuuddeshiya Sanstha, Nagpur (through its Secretary and others) as petitioners vs. the State of Maharashtra and others as respondents.
- Counsel: Mr. P. N. Shende appeared for the petitioners; Mr. N. S. Rao, Assistant Government Pleader, represented respondents No. 1 to 3.
- Bench: Hon’ble Judges Anil S. Kilor and Rajnish R. Vyas, JJ.
- Background: The petitioners operated a school originally at Umrer. During the COVID‑2019 pandemic, the school building became dilapidated, prompting a shift to Bhojapur for student safety.
- Key Documents: A communication dated 30‑June‑2023 sought approval for the shift but remained pending before the concerned authority. The petitioners argued that, given the pandemic and safety concerns, the communication should have been acted upon immediately.
- Authority Action: The Education Officer (Secondary), Zilla Parishad, Nagpur later issued a notice dated 29‑September‑2026 demanding the petitioners explain why the school’s recognition should not be cancelled and why criminal prosecution should not be initiated for the shift.
- Court Observations: The Court noted that the authority was obligated to decide the 30‑June‑2023 communication promptly, especially during the pandemic and given the building’s condition. The Court referenced a later communication dated 06‑October‑2023 (record page No. 23) showing that the Education Officer (Primary), Zilla Parishad, Nagpur had already forwarded a recommendation.
Final Outcome
- The Court directed Respondent No. 1 to take the communication dated 30‑June‑2023 to its logical end within two weeks from the date of production of the copy of this order.
- A stay was imposed on the communication dated 29‑September‑2026 issued by the Education Officer (Secondary), Zilla Parishad, Nagpur.
- The writ petition was disposed of accordingly with no costs awarded to either side.
Topics: Education, Legal Proceedings, COVID‑19 Impact