Chhattisgarh HC Halts Recovery of Teacher’s Pay

The petitioner, a government teacher posted in Mahasamund district, had received periodic increments in accordance with her service and seniority. However, in May 2024, the BEO issued a recovery notice, claiming that the increments had been erroneously granted due to lack of proper qualification records. The BEO demanded repayment of approximately ₹3.6 lakh, stating the teacher was not entitled to the said financial benefits.

Challenging the order, the teacher approached the High Court, arguing that the recovery violated principles of natural justice and the Supreme Court’s standing directives on recovery from Class III and IV employees. Her counsel also contended that the salary increments were duly approved by higher education authorities over the years and any retrospective action now would be unjustified and punitive.

A division bench of the High Court observed that prima facie, the recovery appeared arbitrary and stayed the BEO’s order. The Court further noted that recoveries made after a prolonged period, especially from lower-income employees, have repeatedly been discouraged by the apex court.

The matter is now listed for a final hearing in September. The interim relief has brought temporary respite to several similarly placed teachers across the state, who fear similar recovery actions. The ruling could potentially set a precedent for safeguarding employee rights in administrative matters.