HC warns Nagaland government: File affidavit or Hindi teachers’ case will proceed

DIMAPUR— The Kohima Bench of Gauhati High Court has given Nagaland government a final opportunity to place its stand on record in a petition filed by 1,161 Hindi teachers over salaries and service-related issues, warning that the case could proceed even if no affidavit is filed.

The direction was issued by Justice Devashis Baruah on June 4 after the state sought additional time to file its response.

Appearing for the state, Additional Advocate General LT Sangtam requested four weeks' time to submit an affidavit on behalf of the government.

The request was opposed by the counsel for petitioners, S Das, who argued that the respondents had already sought time on an earlier occasion.

He further submitted that the teachers had not been paid regular salaries since 2012 despite being recognised by the state government as regular employees.

Taking note of the submissions, the court fixed the next hearing for July 23 and directed the state respondents to file their affidavits on or before July 20.

Giving the state respondents a “final opportunity” to place their stand on record, the court directed them to file their affidavits by July 20.

“If no affidavit is filed by the state respondents, this court shall proceed with the disposal of the writ petition by applying the doctrine of non-traverse,” it added.

The petition was filed by 1,161 centrally-sponsored scheme Hindi teachers serving in government schools across Nagaland.

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The teachers have raised issues relating to alleged irregular payment of salaries, non-inclusion in the state cadre, denial of parity with other state employees and lack of financial security despite being regular appointees.

The matter had previously come up before the court on April 30, when the respondents sought time to obtain instructions and file their responses.