Kochi, August 20: The Kerala High Court provided significant relief to a school teacher suspended by the state government due to a quiz question related to Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. On Wednesday, the court issued a temporary stay on the teacher’s suspension for one month.
Justice Viju Abraham heard the petition filed by teacher K. Guruprasad Rai and ordered a halt to the enforcement of the suspension order. However, the court clarified that the ongoing disciplinary proceedings against the teacher may continue.
The court stated, “I am in favor of passing an interim order that places a one-month stay on the enforcement of the suspension order. However, I allow the disciplinary proceedings to continue.”
The controversy arose from a quiz prepared by the teacher, which described Savarkar as a freedom fighter who received the harshest punishment during British rule. This question sparked disputes, leading to the teacher’s suspension.
Challenging the suspension order, Guruprasad Rai approached the High Court. During the hearing, the court considered his request for interim relief and deemed the stay on the suspension order appropriate.
However, this relief is limited. The court has not terminated the disciplinary proceedings and has permitted the relevant authorities to continue actions against the teacher. This order is considered significant due to the sensitive nature of the subject involving historical figures.
The interim order means that the teacher’s suspension will not be effective for one month, after which further hearings on the matter may take place. Meanwhile, the disciplinary process can continue independently of the temporary relief granted by the High Court.
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