Bhubaneswar: In a landmark decision, the High Court has struck down a government circular allowing MPs and MLAs to recommend up to 15 teacher transfers in their constituencies, terming the policy “irrational, unjustifiable, and violative of administrative fairness”.
The May 13, 2025 circular, issued by the School & Mass Education Department, was quashed, bringing relief to thousands of teachers.
The court ruled that affected teachers must return to their original postings only after the academic year concludes to avoid disrupting classes. The judgment has sparked calls for a transparent, merit-based teacher transfer framework, prioritising educational needs over political influence.
The quashed policy had allowed MPs and MLAs to recommend transfers within their constituencies, touted as a one-time measure to address local concerns. With the policy scrapped, pending transfer recommendations are now in legal limbo.
