Teachers' Case Adjourned by Gauhati High Court Due to Counsel's Non-Appearance

Gauhati High Court Adjourns Hearing for 66 Teachers After Counsel Fails to Appear

GUWAHATI: The Gauhati High Court has adjourned the hearing in a case involving 66 teachers from Dibrugarh, pushing the matter to a date after the upcoming summer vacation. The decision was made after the legal counsel for the applicants failed to appear before the court when the case was called.

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Case Background

The matter, titled Momee Gogoi and 65 Ors. vs. The State of Assam and 5 Ors. [WP(C) 8194/2022], involves a group of teachers challenging the actions of the state's education and finance departments. The respondents in the case include the Chief Secretary, the Commissioner and Secretary of the Elementary Education and Finance Departments, and the Axom Sarba Siksha Abhiyan Mission.

The extensive list of petitioners suggests a collective grievance related to their service conditions under the state's education system.

Today's Hearing and Court's Order

The case was listed for hearing on an interlocutory application, I.A.(Civil)/1742/2024, before the bench of Hon'ble Mr. Justice N. Unni Krishnan Nair .

However, the proceedings were cut short due to a procedural issue. The court noted the absence of the petitioners' advocate, stating in its brief order:

"None appears for the applicant, on call."

As a direct consequence of the counsel's non-appearance, the court could not proceed with the hearing on the merits of the application.

Final Decision and Implications

Citing the absence of representation for the applicants, Justice N. Unni Krishnan Nair directed the registry to relist the case after the court reopens following its summer break.

The order states:

"In view of the above, list it after the ensuing Summer Break ."

This adjournment means the 66 teachers must wait longer for the resolution of the issues raised in their application. The case will now be taken up in the next session, with the onus on the petitioners' counsel to ensure their presence to move the matter forward.