The Madras High Court has quashed orders holding school headmasters responsible for the theft of government-issued laptops, observing that teachers should not be treated as “store keepers” and their primary duty is to teach students.
In a significant judgment delivered on July 22, 2024, Justice Battu Devanand allowed two writ petitions filed by headmasters challenging orders that made them liable to pay for laptops stolen from their schools under the Tamil Nadu government’s free laptop distribution scheme.
The court set aside orders passed by education department officials directing the petitioners to pay for stolen laptops, finding them to be in violation of principles of natural justice.
Key Observations:
Justice Devanand strongly criticized the education department’s approach, stating: “The attitude of the Education Department Officers in comparing the services of the Headmasters and Teachers with the duties of in-charges of stores i.e., store keepers is condemnable and unacceptable.”
The court emphasized the noble nature of the teaching profession, observing:
“Teachers are the cornerstone of society as they are the real nation builders. Teachers are the people who mould the children and inculcate values to children to become better citizens and leaders of tomorrow.”
Highlighting the primary role of teachers, the judgment noted:
“The duties and responsibilities of Headmasters and teachers are very significant. Though, headmasters are having some administrative responsibilities, their primary duty is to teach the students as teacher.”
Important Directions:
1. Services of headmasters and teachers shall not be utilized for purposes unconnected to teaching and school administration, except duties under any law.
2. The state government must formulate comprehensive procedures for implementing the free laptop scheme, including proper storage and security measures.
3. Police must conduct scientific investigations using latest technology in laptop theft cases.
4. Pensionary benefits of the petitioner in W.P.(MD) No.17406 of 2019 to be settled forthwith.
The court also directed that a copy of the order be communicated to the Chief Secretary of Tamil Nadu to issue necessary instructions.
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Case Details:
1. W.P.(MD).No. 13158 of 2017 – A. Kalaiselvi vs The Chief Educational Officer, Madurai District & Others
2. W.P.(MD).No. 17406 of 2019 – N. Sasikala Rani vs The State of Tamil Nadu & Others
Legal Representatives:
– For Petitioners: Mr. N. Ananthapadmanabhan, Senior Counsel (W.P. 13158/2017) and Mr. M. Ajmal Khan, Senior Counsel (W.P. 17406/2019)
– For Respondents: Mr. Veerakathiravan, Additional Advocate General
– Amicus Curiae: Dr. B. Ramaswamy, Advocate
