Allahabad High Court Stays Suspension Of Govt Officer Accused Of Posting Poem On WhatsApp Criticising Superiors

The Allahabad High Court recently granted relief to a Block Education Officer (BEO) who was suspended on the allegations of posting a poem on a WhatsApp group, allegedly criticising his superiors. The suspension order, passed on July 7, 2025, was challenged before the Court on the grounds that uploading of any poem would not come within the purview of misconduct and even otherwise would not entail any major penalty. A bench of Justice Manish Mathur stayed the impugned suspension order, opining that the petitioner's submissions carried force and required consideration prima facie. It also granted the state authorities four weeks' time to file a counteraffidavit. However, the Single judge clarified that the departmental proceedings shall continue to go on. The alleged poem with the words "तुम जानते हो डिप्टी का अरमान दोस्तों…इस तरह चलाते हैं फरमान दोस्तों।" [Translation : You know well the Deputy's desire, my friends...And this is how they issue their Farman, my friends]. It was posted on a WhatsApp group, following which the impugned suspension order was passed. The petitioner (Vijay Prakash), represented by Advocate Vinay Misra, challenged the order on the grounds that it violates Rule 4 of the Uttar Pradesh Government Servants (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1999. Opposing the plea, the State counsel contended that a charge sheet had already been issued against the petitioner. It was further submitted that the matter under inquiry was whether the poem was uploaded in a closed group or on a wider social media platform, and whether it amounted to criticism of his superiors. Taking note of the submissions of both parties, the Court stayed his suspension and listed the matter for a hearing on October 15, 2025.Case title - Vijay Prakash vs. State Of U.P. Thru. Secy. Education Basic Govt. Lko. And 2 OthersClick Here To Read/Download Order

Allahabad High Court Stays Suspension Of Govt Officer Accused Of Posting Poem On WhatsApp Criticising Superiors

Sparsh Upadhyay

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