#bombay_high_court

Bombay High Court Rules Passive Behavior of In-Laws Not Sufficient for 'Cruelty' FIR The Bombay High Court recently dismissed a criminal case against the in-laws of a woman, ruling that their passive behavior—such as remaining neutral or failing to intervene in marital disputes—does not constitute "cruelty" under Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Justice R R Bhonsale, delivering the judgment on May 8, emphasized that the law requires deliberate, wilful acts intended to drive a woman to suicide or cause severe harm, not mere inaction or disagreement within a family. The case originated in July 2022 when a 26-year-old woman filed a complaint against her husband, his parents, brother, and sister-in-law, alleging abuse, harassment, and forced domestic labor. The police registered an FIR under Section 498A, which carries a maximum penalty of three years’ imprisonment. The woman claimed her husband and in-laws restricted her access to her phone, denied her visits to her parents, and forced her to watch explicit content. Additionally, her in-laws reportedly withheld her gold ornaments when she attempted to leave the marital home. The husband and his parents petitioned the court to quash the FIR, arguing that the allegations against them were vague and lacked credible evidence. While the husband’s lawyer did not seek relief for him, the in-laws focused on challenging the case against them. The wife’s lawyer, however, highlighted that the husband had previously faced a similar cruelty case from his first wife in 2021, which was dropped after a compromise. In its ruling, the High Court rejected the FIR against the in-laws, calling the allegations "bald, sweeping" and unsupported by evidence.#bombay_high_court #supreme_court_india #section_498a_ipc #justice_rr_bhonsale #marriage_dispute

Tender Rigging Allegations Emerge in Nagpur University Contract Probe Nagpur University is under scrutiny for alleged tender rigging and mismanagement of exams after a probe panel launched an investigation into the controversial contract awarded to Coempt Eduteck Pvt Ltd, a Hyderabad-based firm linked to the CBSE’s on-screen marking controversy. The inquiry focuses on whether eligibility norms were manipulated to favor the company, which was granted a Rs 5-crore, three-year contract to manage exams and results. The panel is examining claims that technical requirements were altered to create an uneven playing field, despite allegations that the firm, previously known as Globarena Technologies, had faced blacklisting by institutions in southern India. Key changes under review include a reduction in the minimum experience requirement for handling exams from three lakh students to two lakh, a halving of the digital valuation centers needed from 200 screens to 100, and a fivefold increase in the minimum annual turnover from Rs 5 crore to Rs 25 crore. A senior panel member questioned the university’s justification for these adjustments, pointing out that the institution lacked its own server infrastructure or data center, raising doubts about its ability to manage results for over three lakh students. “Why would results of over three lakh students get botched up if the university had the capacity to handle such a workload?” the member asked, highlighting inconsistencies in the university’s rationale. The tender process faced legal challenges when former exam contractor Promarc Software Pvt Ltd contested the revised eligibility criteria in court, arguing the changes were crafted to exclude competitors.#hyderabad #cbse #bombay_high_court #nagpur_university #coempt_eduteck_pvt_ltd

Maharashtra Govt Committed to Addressing Maratha Quota Demands While Protecting OBC Interests: Fadnavis Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reiterated the government’s dedication to resolving the Maratha reservation issue while safeguarding the interests of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) amid ongoing protests and legal challenges. Speaking in Nagpur, Fadnavis emphasized that any decisions on reservation policies must adhere to constitutional and judicial guidelines, highlighting the legal complexities surrounding the matter. He stated that the Mahayuti government, led by him and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, has already taken “unprecedented steps” to address Maratha concerns without compromising OBC benefits. The government’s stance comes as Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange continues his indefinite hunger strike from Antarwadi Sarati village in Jalna, demanding Kunbi caste certificates for eligible Marathas to access OBC reservation benefits. Jarange also called for the implementation of records from the Hyderabad and Satara Gazette and the withdrawal of legal cases against protesters during previous agitations. Fadnavis assured the Maratha community that the government would not “pit one community against another,” reaffirming its commitment to equitable distribution of reservation benefits. Fadnavis stressed that the government would follow the Constitution of India and directives from the Bombay High Court and Supreme Court, warning that decisions made outside these frameworks might gain public attention but would fail legal scrutiny. He acknowledged the long-standing apprehensions of OBC organizations, which fear that extending reservation benefits to Marathas could dilute opportunities for backward communities.#devendra_fadnavis #bombay_high_court #maharashtra_govt #eknath_shinde #manoj_jarange

Deekshabhoomi Trust Chief Takes Legal Stand Over Administrative Dispute The management of Deekshabhoomi, a revered Buddhist and Ambedkarite landmark in Nagpur, has escalated an internal administrative conflict to the Bombay High Court, sparking a legal battle over governance and authority within the trust. The dispute centers on the interpretation of administrative powers under the Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Memorial Committee Trust, which oversees the site’s operations and associated educational, social, and religious activities. Trust president Bhante Arya Nagarjuna Surai Sasai has challenged proceedings initiated by the Maharashtra charity commissioner’s office, arguing that the trust’s executive authority is exclusively vested in the president or chairman, as per its constitution. The conflict arose after the assistant charity commissioner’s office began proceedings under the Maharashtra Public Trusts Act, which governs the management of charitable trusts. The petition filed by Surai Sasai alleges that the charity commissioner’s interpretation of administrative powers has led to confusion and interference in the trust’s functioning. Specifically, the trust claims that the secretary’s role has been misinterpreted, resulting in unauthorized decisions that undermine the president’s authority. The court, through Justice Nandesh Deshpande, has directed the respondents to file replies by June 10, instructing the competent authority to proceed with the matter in accordance with the law. The dispute has significant implications for the trust’s operations, as Deekshabhoomi remains a globally recognized center of Buddhist learning and social reform. The site, where Dr B.R.#bombay_high_court #maharashtra_charity_commissioner #deekshabhoomi_trust #bhante_arya_nagarjuna_surai_sasai #dr_b_r_ambedkar_memorial_committee_trust

CBSE Schools in Nagpur Plan Early Reopening Amid Summer Heat Concerns Some CBSE schools in Nagpur are considering reopening on June 1, during the peak of the summer heat, which has raised concerns about the safety of students exposed to extreme temperatures. While the decision remains "proposed" and primarily affects Classes 9 and 10, it comes as temperatures in the city already exceed 45 degrees Celsius. Weather forecasters have warned that intense dry heat is expected to persist for at least a week, complicating the timing of the reopening. The state of Maharashtra’s guidelines for schools in Vidarbha region mandate reopening only after June 26, a measure designed to protect students from the region’s harsh summer conditions. This norm applies to districts including Nagpur, Chandrapur, Wardha, Bhandara, and Gadchiroli. However, CBSE schools have historically defied this rule, typically reopening around June 15. This year, the debate over an early reopening sparked a legal intervention, though it did not directly impact CBSE institutions. When state board schools were scheduled to reopen on June 15, teachers’ associations filed a petition with the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court. The court questioned the logic of reopening during a heatwave and ordered a delay, effectively halting the state board’s plans. CBSE schools, however, were not part of this petition and remain outside its scope. The state education department has consistently stated it does not interfere with the academic calendars of other boards, effectively granting CBSE institutions autonomy in setting their reopening dates. An education official, who requested anonymity, noted, “We have to follow the rules. Earlier, our own department said reopen schools in Vidarbha on June 15 itself, so we had to obey.#nagpur #maharashtra #bombay_high_court #vidarbha #cbse_schools

High Court Restores Teachers’ Pay, Junks Edu Officer’s Order The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court recently overturned a series of orders that had halted the salaries of teachers and non-teaching staff in aided primary and upper primary schools. The court ruled that the actions taken by the education officer (primary), Zilla Parishad, Nagpur, and the superintendent of the Pay and Provident Fund Unit were arbitrary, illegal, and violated the principles of natural justice. The decision came after a large batch of writ petitions was filed by affected employees, who had been denied their salaries since March 2025. The court directed that the withheld salaries of the petitioners be restored and continued, effectively reversing the earlier orders. It also invalidated show-cause notices, cancellation orders, and related communications issued by the authorities. The petitions covered a wide range of employees, including assistant teachers, shikshan sevaks, junior clerks, and peons working in several aided schools. Many of these individuals had served for 10 to 15 years and had received approval orders and Shalarth IDs from competent authorities. The bench emphasized that there was no legal basis for stopping the salaries of these employees without due process. It noted that the dispute was already addressed in a previous ruling from April 21, 2025, in the case of Shrikant Ganpatrao Pawar and others versus State of Maharashtra and others. The court reiterated that the petitioners were entitled to their salaries, as they had continued working without interruption. The judges criticized the manner in which the authorities had acted, stating that the salaries were stopped "without any notice or without there being any fault on their part.#bombay_high_court #zilla_parishad_nagpur #superintendent_pay_provident_fund #shrikant_ganpatrao_pawar #state_of_maharashtra

High Court Upholds Undertrial Prisoner’s Right to Education The Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court recently ruled that an undertrial prisoner cannot be denied access to education solely due to incarceration, directing authorities to allow a 69-year-old inmate at Nagpur Central Prison to appear for an LLB examination without incurring escort charges. The court’s decision, delivered by a division bench comprising Justices Urmila Joshi Phalke and Nivedita Mehta, granted the petitioner, Purushottam Kumar Sinha, the right to attend the Summer 2026 LLB second-semester examination under specific conditions. Sinha, an undertrial prisoner and student of Dr BRA Law College, affiliated with Nagpur University, had sought permission to appear for the exam. His petition argued that the exorbitant escort fees imposed by prison authorities effectively barred him from pursuing his education, violating his constitutional rights under Article 21. The court acknowledged that incarceration should not obstruct a prisoner’s educational progress, emphasizing that denying access to education due to financial constraints would be “harsh and unreasonable.” The court directed Nagpur Central Prison authorities to escort Sinha to the examination center on scheduled dates without charging any fees. It also mandated the deployment of security personnel during his travel and throughout the examination period. Additionally, the bench ordered Dr BRA Law College to provide a separate examination hall and an invigilator for Sinha, while allowing a security cordon around him during the exam. The petitioner’s counsel, NS Padia, had argued that the denial of educational access due to inability to pay escort charges constituted an infringement of the prisoner’s fundamental rights to education and dignity.#bombay_high_court #nagpur_bench #purushottam_kumar_sinha #dr_bra_law_college #nagpur_central_prison

HC Strikes Down 45 Yrs Age Bar For Anganwadi Supervisor Promotions In Maha The Bombay High Court in Nagpur recently invalidated a Maharashtra government rule that barred anganwadi sevikas above 45 years of age from being promoted to the post of supervisor, calling the provision arbitrary, discriminatory, and violative of constitutional Articles 14 and 16. A division bench comprising Justices Anil Kilor and Raj Wakode upheld a writ petition filed by 10 anganwadi sevikas from Akola district, declaring Rule 7(1)(c) of the Service Entry Rules, 2021, unconstitutional. The rule, framed by the Women and Child Development Department, had reduced the maximum age limit for promotion from 55 to 45 years, effectively excluding senior workers from consideration. The petitioners, who had served as anganwadi sevikas under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme for over two decades, challenged the state’s June 4, 2021, notification that introduced the age cap. The court emphasized that the state’s policy lacked fairness and a justifiable rationale, stating, “The state action must be fair, non-arbitrary, and based on a justifiable principle.” The judges noted that the rule created “unreasonable discrimination” among similarly situated workers and failed to establish a “rational nexus” with the intended objective. The government had defended the rule by arguing that supervisors need to oversee nearly 25 anganwadi centres and that older workers would struggle with the workload and reporting responsibilities. However, the court rejected this reasoning, asserting that experience gained with age could not be treated as a disadvantage.#maharashtra_government #bombay_high_court #anganwadi_sevikas #women_and_child_development_department #icds_scheme

Parents Question June 15 Reopening for CBSE Schools in Vidarbha Parents and education groups in Vidarbha are raising concerns about the decision to reopen CBSE schools on June 15, citing adverse weather conditions that pose risks to students' health. The issue gained attention after the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court sought a response from the state government regarding the timing of school reopenings in the region. While the court’s inquiry focused on state-run schools, parents and associations are now pushing for similar scrutiny of CBSE institutions, which have historically opened earlier than other schools in the area. The debate centers on the region’s extreme heat, which has led to delays in school reopenings for non-CBSE institutions in Vidarbha. Schools in the region typically start after June 26 due to the scorching temperatures, which are significantly higher than in areas like Konkan and Pune. However, CBSE schools in Nagpur have traditionally reopened earlier, often before June 15. This year, the state government mandated that all Vidarbha schools, including CBSE institutions, align with the rest of Maharashtra by reopening on June 15. Yogesh Pathare, national coordinator of the Jagruk Palak Samiti, highlighted the long-standing issue, noting that government orders issued in 2009 and 2012 explicitly recommended delaying the reopening of schools in Vidarbha to avoid the harsh summer heat. These directives, he argued, were ignored, placing students at risk of health complications. Pathare emphasized that the climate in Vidarbha is distinct from other parts of Maharashtra, yet the decision to reopen early continues to disregard these conditions.#bombay_high_court #nagpur_bench #vidarbha #jagruk_palak_samiti #csswa

HC Slams Nagpur University Over Botched Exam and Result Process The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court on Tuesday launched a sharp critique of Nagpur University, accusing it of widespread mismanagement in its examination and result processing systems. The court directed the university registrar to explain why an independent committee should not be appointed to investigate the alleged lapses. The proceedings were part of a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by student activist Neeraj Dharashivkar, which highlighted systemic failures in the university’s administrative processes. During the hearing, vacation judge Justice Rajnish Vyas emphasized that the court could not remain passive when the issue affected students’ lives. He noted that newspaper reports and submitted evidence suggested serious flaws in the university’s examination administration. The PIL alleged that over 600 exams were conducted before Diwali 2025, but nearly 70% of results remained pending beyond the prescribed timeline, disrupting admissions, degree certifications, and placement opportunities. The university had previously claimed only 1.4% of results were delayed, a figure the court deemed inconsistent with the evidence. Amicus curiae Bhushan Mohta presented further discrepancies, citing glaring errors in marksheets issued by the university. He referenced reports from The Times of India and other media outlets, noting that "glaring mistakes were noted in the marks awarded column of the mark lists." The judge also raised concerns about allegations that the subject "audit" was incorrectly listed in the BSc eighth semester examination, despite not being part of the curriculum. Mohta argued that the scale of errors was so vast that listing them individually would require multiple pages.#times_of_india #bombay_high_court #nagpur_university #neeraj_dharashivkar #promarc_software_pvt_ltd

June 15 School Reopening Amid Vidarbha Heat Under High Court Scrutiny The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court on Tuesday raised concerns about the Maharashtra government’s decision to reopen schools in Vidarbha from June 15, questioning whether children should be required to attend classes during extreme summer heat. The court, presided over by Justice Rajnish Vyas, issued a notice to the state government, directing it to respond by June 9. The matter arose from a petition filed by Vijay Kombe, president of the Wardha unit of the Maharashtra State Primary Education Committee, and Liladhar Thakre, challenging the state’s March 28 circular that mandated school reopenings on June 15. The petition, submitted through counsel Bhanudas Kulkarni, argued that the government’s decision ignored the severe climatic conditions in Vidarbha, where temperatures in June typically range between 42°C and 44°C. Under the circular, schools were instructed to hold classes from 7 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. between June 15 and June 30. Petitioners warned that this schedule could endanger students, particularly in rural areas where many children walk 3 to 5 kilometers daily to reach school. While morning travel might occur during cooler hours, the return journey under harsh afternoon heat could pose significant health risks. The court’s inquiry also referenced a 2007 order from the Nagpur bench of the High Court, which had directed schools in Vidarbha to reopen only after June 30 due to the region’s intense summer conditions. Although the state government had previously challenged this ruling before the Supreme Court through a special leave petition, the case was later withdrawn.#maharashtra_government #bombay_high_court #liladhar_thakre #vijay_kombe #wardha_unit

Nagpur’s Vanishing Lakes Trigger Environmental Alarm, High Court Steps In The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court recently took suo motu cognisance of reports detailing the disappearance and severe degradation of lakes across Nagpur city. The court issued a stern warning that the shrinking water bodies pose significant environmental and constitutional risks, particularly concerning citizens' right to clean water and a healthy environment. A division bench comprising Justices Anil Kilor and Raj Wakode converted media reports published in The Times of India into a suo motu public interest litigation (PIL) after identifying "grave environmental concern and public interest" in the matter. The court emphasized that Nagpur's lakes have historically played a vital ecological role, maintaining environmental balance, supporting biodiversity, recharging groundwater, and regulating the city's microclimate. These water bodies also functioned as natural flood buffers and open ecological spaces amid rapid urbanization. Referring to information obtained under the Right to Information Act by social activist Abhay Kolarkar, the court noted that Sanjay Gandhi Lake and Dobi Lake have effectively disappeared from the official inventory of the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC). The civic body's records now recognize only 11 surviving lakes within city limits. The surviving lakes listed in municipal records include Ambazari, Futala, Sonegaon, Pandharabodi, Police Line Takli, Binaki Mangalwari, Naik, Gorewada, Sakkardara, Lendi Talao, and Gandhi Sagar lakes. The court highlighted that only five of these lakes remain under the jurisdiction of the NMC, while the others are controlled by different government agencies.#bombay_high_court #nagpur_municipal_corporation #abhay_kolarkar #sanjay_gandhi_lake #dobi_lake

Maharashtra Govt Commits to Funding GMCH Cancer Unit Amid Legal Pressure Maharashtra’s government has pledged to release the crucial 30% advance payment required for procuring a linear accelerator machine at the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) in Nagpur, following a court directive. The assurance was made during a hearing of a suo motu public interest litigation (PIL) case concerning the deteriorating infrastructure and lack of medical equipment at government hospitals in Vidarbha. The Bombay High Court’s Nagpur bench, presided over by a division bench comprising Justices Anil Kilor and Raj Wakode, was informed that the funds would be disbursed in June to facilitate the procurement of the advanced cancer treatment equipment. The linear accelerator machine, essential for radiotherapy and advanced cancer treatment, was granted administrative approval in 2018 at an estimated cost of ₹23.20 crore. However, prolonged delays in the project have nearly doubled the total cost to approximately ₹45 crore, necessitating an additional ₹22 crore. The state government informed the court that directions for releasing the additional funds had already been issued. During the hearing, it was also revealed that the Nagpur district administration had allocated ₹52 crore to GMCH through the District Mineral Foundation and District Planning Committee funds to bolster medical infrastructure. The court has been actively monitoring healthcare deficiencies in government hospitals across Vidarbha through ongoing PIL proceedings. These cases have repeatedly highlighted shortages of critical equipment, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of specialist facilities.#nagpur #bombay_high_court #maharashtra_govt #gmch #linear_accelerator_machine

LPG Reforms: Bombay High Court Orders Review of OTP System for Domestic Cylinder Delivery The Bombay High Court has directed the central government and public sector oil companies to reconsider the implementation of a digital authentication system for the delivery of domestic LPG cylinders. The court emphasized the need to maintain continuity in offline booking and distribution mechanisms, allowing for exceptions to the current OTP-based verification system. The directive follows a petition filed by the LPG Distributors Association of India, which argued that the mandatory OTP verification system has caused significant hardships, particularly for rural and remote area consumers. The association highlighted that connectivity issues, technical glitches, and website disruptions frequently prevent customers from obtaining the required verification codes, leading to delays in cylinder delivery. The controversy began after the outbreak of the Iran-Israel conflict, which triggered a global shortage of crude oil and LPG. In response, the Indian government mandated the use of a digital authentication mechanism for the distribution of 14.2 kg LPG cylinders. Initially, 50% of deliveries were subject to this system, but it was later expanded to 95%. On April 4, 2026, a WhatsApp message was sent to all stakeholders, making DAC (Digital Authentication Code) verification mandatory for 100% of deliveries. The message also warned that distributors failing to comply would face penalties. The petition, filed by association president Jayprakash Tiwari, argued that the OTP system has exacerbated existing challenges for rural consumers.#iran_israel_conflict #bombay_high_court #lpg_distributors_association_of_india #jayprakash_tiwari #digital_authentication_system

Bombay High Court Orders Maintenance of Offline LPG Booking System to Avoid Public Inconvenience The Bombay High Court has issued a significant directive to the central government and oil companies, mandating that the existing offline booking and delivery processes for LPG cylinders must remain operational to prevent hardships for the public. The court emphasized that any changes to the system should not create difficulties for ordinary citizens, particularly in areas with limited internet connectivity or where smartphone access is scarce. This decision comes amid growing concerns over the challenges posed by the government’s push for a fully digital distribution model. The court’s order, delivered by a bench comprising Justice Anil Kilore and Justice Raj Wakode, stated that while technological advancements are beneficial, they should not compromise the basic needs of the population. The directive specifically requires that delivery authentication codes (DACs) be mandatory for every cylinder delivery. This measure was introduced to streamline monitoring under the digital system but was later suspended, leading to widespread complaints from users. The court clarified that the digital system cannot be the sole method of operation, ensuring that offline processes remain viable. The LPG Distributors Association of India (LDAI) had petitioned the court, arguing that the transition to a fully digital system had caused significant disruptions. Association president Jayprakash Tiwari highlighted that the OTP-based distribution model had led to numerous issues, including delays in cylinder delivery and difficulties for rural and remote populations.#central_government #bombay_high_court #lpg_distributors_association_of_india #jayprakash_tiwari #lpg_cylinders

NGT, HC Crack Down on Nullah ‘Cover-Ups’ in Nagpur A day after illegal structures obstructing a natural nullah in East Shankar Nagar came under scrutiny, legal authorities have issued unequivocal directives against covering or building over drains. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) and Bombay High Court (HC) have reinforced that such actions are illegal, placing the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) under pressure to enforce regulations. A senior NMC official confirmed that civic rules explicitly prohibit covering nullahs within city limits, yet ground realities reveal widespread encroachments, with drains narrowed, built over, or reduced to stagnant water. Legal frameworks leave little room for ambiguity. Under the Maharashtra Municipal Corporations Act and Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning (MRTP) Act, nullahs are classified as essential public utilities, and any obstruction or construction over them is strictly prohibited. The HC has repeatedly ruled that encroachments on nullahs cannot be regularized, even if permissions were granted, calling such actions an "abuse of power." The NGT has taken a stronger stance, declaring that covering drains or constructing within their bed or buffer zones is "per se illegal," mandating demolition regardless of prior approvals. The Unified Development Control and Promotion Regulations (UDCPR) further clarify eco-sensitive flood zones. Areas between the blue flood line (indicative of 25-year flood levels) and the red flood line (100-year flood levels) are designated as restricted or prohibited zones, where construction is heavily regulated or barred. Development within these limits, particularly over natural drains, is largely ineligible for approval.#bombay_high_court #nagpur_municipal_corporation #national_green_tribunal #nullahs

No-confidence Motion Upheld by Bombay High Court; Collector’s Stay Order Quashed The Bombay High Court’s Nagpur bench recently ruled that a no-confidence motion passed by a Gram Panchayat’s elected members, which removed a sarpanch from office, took immediate legal effect and could not be stayed by a district collector. The court emphasized that the “will of the majority” in democratic institutions must prevail, rejecting the collector’s attempt to grant interim relief to the sarpanch under Section 35(3B) of the Maharashtra Village Panchayats Act, 1959. The case centered on a no-confidence motion moved by seven members of the eight-member panchayat in Gram Panchayat Januna (Wadala), Barshitakli taluka. The motion was passed on February 24, 2025, and ratified by the gram sabha on March 12, 2025, following a special meeting presided over by the tehsildar on February 27. According to the law, the sarpanch was required to cease functioning immediately after the motion was approved. However, the collector of Akola district, in a September 4, 2025, order, granted an interim stay, allowing the sarpanch to continue in her role. The panchayat members challenged this order through counsel RD Karode, arguing that the collector’s interpretation of his powers was flawed. Justice Prafulla Khubalkar, presiding over the case, dismissed the collector’s stay order as “unsustainable in law,” noting that no statutory provision authorized such relief. The judge cited previous precedents to underscore that once a no-confidence motion is passed by the required majority, the office-bearer must “forthwith stop exercising all the powers and perform all the functions and duties.#bombay_high_court #gram_panchayat_januna #tehsildar #collector_akola_district #maharashtra_village_panchayats_act_1959

Census Duty: Teachers Form Legal Groups After School Management Fails To Support Nagpur: The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court recently granted interim relief from Census duty to the CBSE School Staff Welfare Association (CSSWA), sparking a wave of similar actions by private school teachers across the region. The decision has led many educators, who were left without institutional support, to form informal groups and pool resources to hire legal representation. This development follows a similar relief granted earlier this year to staff from the Sikh Education Society (SES) pharmacy college, which had approached the court after being assigned Census duty. Teachers from various private institutions have expressed frustration over the lack of support from their school management, which has failed to advocate for them despite the legal challenges posed by the Census duty requirement. "The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) is threatening us with FIRs for not reporting to Census duty, but school owners are doing nothing to defend us," a teacher told The Times of India. Initially, many educators had hoped their school administrations would take similar legal steps, but after months of inaction, they have turned to self-organized efforts. "For over a month, management of different schools did nothing beyond approaching local authorities with appeals. Now, many of us are pooling money to hire a lawyer," another teacher added. The interim relief granted to CSSWA has provided a glimmer of hope for teachers already burdened with academic responsibilities. "We realized that interim relief is only for the petitioners. So, we too have decided to move the court," said a teacher, highlighting the growing urgency among educators to seek legal recourse.#bombay_high_court #nagpur_bench #nagpur_municipal_corporation #cbseschoolstaffwelfareassociation #sikh_education_society_pharmacy_college

Police Cite 280 FIRs, Deny Inaction in Liquor and Noise Violations Case on PDKV Land The Nagpur police have rejected allegations of inaction regarding illegal liquor consumption, noise pollution, and public nuisance by eateries operating on PDKV land in East Shankar Nagar. In a detailed response submitted to the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court, authorities stated that "necessary action has been taken as per law" through continuous enforcement over the years. The reply, filed in response to a public interest litigation (PIL) by three residents of Shankar Nagar, emphasized that between 2016 and 2025, a total of 280 First Information Reports (FIRs) were registered under the Maharashtra Prohibition Act and other relevant laws. The petitioners, represented by senior counsel Akshay Naik and Parth Malviya, had alleged that the authorities failed to curb unlawful activities, including unlicensed liquor sales, operations beyond permissible hours, and noise pollution. They sought directives to permanently shut down such establishments and enforce stricter policing under the Maharashtra Police Act and Prohibition Act. The police countered these claims by asserting that the registration of FIRs itself demonstrated that complaints were acknowledged and legal action initiated. The police response, filed by Bajaj Nagar police inspector Chetansingh Chauhan through additional government pleader Sangita Jachak, highlighted jurisdictional limitations. It stated that licensing, building permissions, and regulatory enforcement fall primarily under the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) and the State Excise Department. The police emphasized that their role is limited to enforcement, and the issuance of licenses is outside their authority.#bombay_high_court #nagpur_police #nmc #shankar_nagar #maharashtra_prohibition_act

Census Duty: Teachers Form Legal Groups After School Management Fails To Support The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court recently granted interim relief from Census duty to the CBSE School Staff Welfare Association (CSSWA), sparking a wave of similar actions among private school teachers across the region. This development has led many educators, who were left without institutional support, to form informal groups and pool resources to hire legal representation. The move comes after the Sikh Education Society (SES) previously secured interim relief for its pharmacy college staff, highlighting a growing trend of teachers seeking judicial intervention to avoid mandatory Census duties. Teachers reported being left in a precarious situation as school management failed to advocate for their interests. "While the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) is threatening us with FIRs for not reporting to Census duty, school owners are doing nothing to defend us," one teacher told The Times of India. Initially, many educators expected their school administrations to take similar steps after the SES case, but over a month of appeals to local authorities yielded no results. "Management of different schools did nothing beyond approaching local authorities with appeals," another teacher noted. Frustrated by the lack of support, teachers have now turned to legal avenues, with some stating, "We realised that interim relief is only for the petitioners. So, we too have decided to move the court." The stress on teachers has been immense, with many reporting a two-month ordeal since receiving Census duty letters. "We are running from pillar to post, asking why teachers from government and aided schools are not assigned Census duty first," a teacher explained.#times_of_india #bombay_high_court #nagpur_municipal_corporation #sikh_education_society #cbse_school_staff_welfare_association