In a stern move, the Andhra Pradesh High Court on Monday launched suo motu contempt of court proceedings against Sarva Siksha Abhiyan (SSA) Project Director B Srinivas Rao. The court took this drastic step after finding that its previous orders regarding part-time postgraduate teachers (PGTs) were not implemented in their true intent and spirit.
Court Slams Officials' Defiant Attitude
The bench of Justices Battu Devanand and Hari Haranatha Sharma expressed strong disapproval of the conduct of certain education department officials. The judges noted that these officials displayed "scant respect" for the court's directives. The bench observed that it appeared the officials believed they were beyond reproach, even by the judiciary. "It seems like they are of the view that no one, including the courts, can touch them. In their confrontation with the courts, we know how to deal with them," the justices remarked.
Background of the Legal Battle
The case originates from a batch of petitions filed in 2023 by part-time postgraduate teachers employed in Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs). These petitions were submitted during the previous YSRCP government's tenure. A single-judge bench of the High Court had ruled in favor of the teachers, directing the state government to continue the PGTs in their existing positions and to consider their representations for permanent continuation based on their service record.
Challenging this order, the state government filed an appeal in January 2024. However, on a prior hearing date, the High Court had instructed the government to implement the single judge's order immediately. The court clarified that a pending appeal, in the absence of a formal stay, does not permit the appellant to delay implementation until the appeal's final disposal. Officials had even provided an undertaking during that hearing, promising to comply with the court's directions.
Allegations of Non-Compliance and Transfer
During the latest hearing, the petitioners' counsel, Jai Bhima Rao, brought fresh violations to the court's attention. He alleged that the Additional Project Director of Vizianagaram district had failed to execute the High Court's order properly. Rao submitted that instead of securing the teachers' positions, the authorities had transferred the PGTs to different locations. Furthermore, their payment structure was unlawfully altered from a fixed salary to an hourly wage model.
Representing the state government, advocate Gurram Ramachandra Rao argued that the Project Director had issued necessary directions for implementation. He requested the court not to hold the Project Director accountable for mistakes potentially made by his subordinates. The bench, however, was unconvinced. It asserted that issuing orders is not enough; it is equally the Project Director's responsibility to ensure those orders are carried out faithfully on the ground.
Contempt Proceedings Initiated
Rejecting the explanations offered, the High Court directed its registry to formally initiate suo motu contempt proceedings against Project Director B Srinivas Rao. The court has summoned him to appear personally and explain why the orders were not implemented. This action underscores the judiciary's resolve to enforce its authority and ensure compliance with its directives, especially concerning the job security of teaching staff in government schemes.
