Savarkar Quiz Row: Kerala High Court Stays Suspension Of Teacher, Permits Disciplinary Proceedings To Continue
The Kerala High Court on Wednesday (August 18) stayed the suspension of the teacher, who included V.D. Savarkar's name in a quiz on freedom fighters.The Court, however, made it clear that the disciplinary proceedings against him would continue.Justice Viju Abraham observed:"the controversy solely lies in the correctness of the content of the question and answer, which is to be decided based...
The Kerala High Court on Wednesday (August 18) stayed the suspension of the teacher, who included V.D. Savarkar's name in a quiz on freedom fighters.
The Court, however, made it clear that the disciplinary proceedings against him would continue.
Justice Viju Abraham observed:
"the controversy solely lies in the correctness of the content of the question and answer, which is to be decided based on the findings in the enquiry...Taking into consideration the allegation raised against the petitioner, I am of the opinion that the enquiry initiated...shall continue, but at the same time, I am of the view that the continued suspension of the petitioner is not required for the proper conduct of the enquiry, taking into consideration the nature of allegations raised against him."
The judge orally added:
"I'm inclined to pass an interim order staying the operation of...order of suspension for a period of one month. But I'm permitting the disciplinary proceedings to continue."
The Court noted that the suspended teacher was attributed with negligence of duty but the facts of the case revealed that the prepared question paper was sent to the Assistant Educational Officer (AEO), who did not raise any objection to the same and distributed it. It was also noticed that no action was taken against the AEO.
The case is posted to September 18 for further consideration.
According to the UP school teacher, he was suspended only because the quiz for the inter-school competition was prepared under his supervision.
The quiz had included the question "Which freedom fighter received the maximum punishment from the Britishers?", and the answer was set as 'V.D. Savarkar'.
Last week, the Court had sought the State's response to the plea. Yesterday, it heard detailed arguments adduced by the parties.
The question was prepared for an inter-school competition titled 'Social Science Club Freedom Quiz 2026' held on August 6 in Kasargod district.
The plea has stated that the inclusion of the question/answer had become a subject of controversy, which led to an enquiry by the Deputy Director of Education. Based on the enquiry and recommendation, the petitioner was placed under suspension and disciplinary proceedings were sought to be initiated against him.
As per the plea, order has been issued under the direction from the Minister of General Education Department and the same was issued in violation of the Rules of the Business of the Government of Kerala.
Aggrieved by the action, the petitioner sought the intervention of the High Court. He challenged the actions taken against him as violative of the Kerala Education Act.
He has sought to quash the memo of charges, the suspension order and the DDE's letter. The same prayers are sought for in the interim.
Case No: WP(C) 27818/2026
Case Title: Guruprasad Rai K. v. State of Kerala and Ors.
The petition is moved by Advocates K.S. Bharathan, Aadithyan S. Mannali, Ronit Zachariah, Sagith Kumar V., Hemanth H., and S. Krishna.