The Allahabad High Court has directed the Additional Director General of the Special Task Force (STF), Amitabh Yash, to appear either in person or through video conferencing on Friday in connection with a writ petition challenging the withholding of post-retirement benefits of a school employee. The order was passed by Justice Saurabh Shyam Shamshery, who expressed dissatisfaction with the explanation provided by the senior police officer in an earlier appearance via video link.
The matter pertains to a complaint filed by one Tulsi Ram, who alleged that Jai Chandra Maurya, a Class IV employee at an intermediate college in Prayagraj district, had fabricated his date of birth. Acting on the complaint, the STF initiated an inquiry, following which the District Inspector of Schools (DIOS) directed the withholding of Maurya’s post-retiral benefits.
Challenging this action, Maurya approached the high court. During the hearing, the bench raised serious concerns over the legality of the STF’s intervention in a matter stemming from a private complaint. The Additional Chief Standing Counsel representing the state, as well as other officials, were unable to produce any document justifying the STF’s authority to take cognizance of such a complaint under the given circumstances.
The court observed:
“If matter is so serious then why even till date the Committee of Management or District Inspector of School concerned have not taken any single step against the petitioner.”
Taking note of this lapse, the bench issued notice to the Manager of the Committee of Management of Adarsh Madhyamik Vidyalay, Saraipeetha Shahipur, as well as the school’s principal. Both have been directed to appear before the court on January 16, 2026, through the Chief Judicial Magistrate of the area, along with all relevant records pertaining to Maurya’s appointment.
Additionally, the court has directed the original complainant, Tulsi Ram, to remain present on the next date of hearing.
While issuing these directions, the High Court made it clear that if any ambiguity or fraud is ultimately found in Maurya’s appointment details, he would have to face the legal consequences. The next hearing is scheduled for January 16, 2026.
