Himachal teachers’ union moves HC over suspensions after Shimla protest

A legal challenge has been mounted in the Himachal Pradesh High Court by office bearers of the Primary Teachers’ Union, who are contesting the suspension of eight teachers following a protest in Shimla.

On May 1, the court issued notices to the state’s education secretary and the director of school education, directing them to “file a reply within a week.”

The bench warned that if a response isn’t submitted in time, it will “decide the application for interim relief on the basis of the material already available on record.”

The matter is scheduled for hearing on May 13.

Union leaders Jagdish Sharma, Sanjay, Pratap Thakur, and Ram Singh Rao have sought interim relief through the petition, alleging that the suspensions were an attempt by the government to “suppress their constitutional rights.”

They claim they held a peaceful protest yet faced disciplinary action in the form of suspensions.

According to the petitioners, not only were they suspended without just cause, but their headquarters were also “arbitrarily” relocated to remote areas—despite no charges being listed that required such transfers.

The state government, during the preliminary hearing, requested additional time to respond.

The controversy stems from a protest that began on April 26, when primary school teachers launched a sit-in in Shimla opposing the merger of the elementary and higher education directorates.

Protesters stated they had informed the education department in advance and urged the government to revoke its decision.

Following the demonstrations, the government suspended ten teachers and ordered cases to be registered against them.