Allahabad High Court
PRAGYA PANDEYversusSTATE OF U.P. AND 5 OTHERS
- Decided
Holding
The Court ordered the District Inspector of Schools, Banda, to deliver a reasoned decision on the petitioner’s reinstatement claim within six weeks, failing which an adverse order will be passed.
Summary
Pragya Pandey filed a writ petition seeking her reinstatement, alleging that the decision on her claim has been pending for more than six years with no order either in her favour or against. The petitioners were represented by Ashutosh Srivastava and Devansh Misra, while the State of U.P. and other respondents were represented by C.S.C. and Kushmondeya Shahi. The Court noted a procedural defect in the paper book but chose to overlook it, focusing on the substantive delay. It observed that the pending decision violates principles of administrative efficiency and justice. Consequently, the Court directed the District Inspector of Schools, Banda, to render a reasoned decision in favour of the petitioner within six weeks, warning that failure to do so would invite an adverse order. The writ petition was therefore disposed, with a directive for prompt action.
Issues considered
- What is the appropriate remedy when a government authority fails to decide a reinstatement claim for an extended period?
- Whether the High Court can compel the District Inspector of Schools to decide the petitioner's claim within a specified time.
Subjects
- reinstatement
- administrative delay
- writ petition
- service matters
- high court order
- district inspector
- public service
Judgment
HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT ALLAHABAD
WRIT - A No. - 6860 of 2026
Pragya Pandey
.....Petitioner(s)
Versus
State Of U.P. And 5 Others
.....Respondent(s)
Counsel for Petitioner(s) : Ashutosh Srivastava, Devansh Misra
Counsel for Respondent(s) : C.S.C., Kushmondeya Shahi
Court No. - 32
HON'BLE SAURABH SHYAM SHAMSHERY, J.
1. Heard Sri Devansh Misra, learned counsel for petitioner, learned Standing
Counsel for State-Respondents and Sri Tanuj Shahi, Advocate for Respondent-
3.
2. The Court ignores the defect in paper book since there are double page
numbering and this writ petition is disposed of considering that claim of
petitioner is still pending before concerned respondent for her reinstatement and
no decision has been taken either in her favour or against despite it is pending
for last more than six years.
3. In view of above, District Inspector of Schools, Banda is directed to take a
reasoned decision positively within a period of six weeks from today. It is also
observed that in case due to default of said respondent, petitioner is constrained
to approach this Court again, an adverse order will be passed against concerned
respondent.
(Saurabh Shyam Shamshery,J.)
May 7, 2026
AK
Digitally signed by :-
AWADESH KUMAR
High Court of Judicature at Allahabad
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