Gujarat HC Restores Recognition of Two Bapunagar Schools, Sets Aside 2015 Order

The Gujarat High Court has set aside a 2015 state government order that had cancelled the recognition of two schools in the Bapunagar area of Ahmedabad, bringing closure to a legal battle that lasted nearly two decades.

Court Restores School Recognition

In a judgment delivered by Justice Nirjar S Desai, the court restored recognition to:

• Holychild English Medium School
• Sugnabai Hindi Medium Primary School

Both institutions are run by the Sugnabai Education Trust.

Case Background

The dispute originated in August 2004 after allegations of financial irregularities and the presence of “dummy teachers” surfaced in the schools. Following this, authorities cancelled recognition and also initiated criminal proceedings against trustees and staff.

Court Findings

During the hearing, the High Court observed that the state government had violated principles of natural justice while conducting a fresh inquiry in 2015. The court noted that the process appeared arbitrary and also criticised selective implementation of judicial directions.

It further ruled that:

• The inquiry report lacked proper legal recommendation for cancellation
• The trust’s participation in the inquiry did not waive its right to challenge it
• Long-pending criminal cases (nearly 20 years) cannot justify continued closure of schools

Compliance Assurances

The District Education Officer reportedly expressed willingness to consider reopening the schools, subject to compliance with safety and regulatory norms.

The trust assured the court that it would meet all requirements, including:

• Fire safety clearance
• Building permissions
• RTE Act compliance
• Disability rights provisions

Final Order

The court ultimately set aside the 2015 cancellation order and directed restoration of recognition, stressing the importance of due process and the educational interests of students.