Synopsis

The petitioner educational society challenged orders passed by the Director of Education and the State Minister appointing an Administrator over its junior college. The orders were based on reports indicating an internal management dispute and multiple change reports. The High Court quashed the orders, holding that: (i) the reports did not disclose any illegality or irregularity in the management of the college’s affairs so as to invoke Section 3 of the Act; (ii) a mere dispute in management without any finding of neglect or detriment to public interest is insufficient; (iii) the Minister’s order was cryptic and unreasoned, merely recording contentions without assigning any reasons. The court allowed the writ petition, set aside the impugned orders, and directed the Education Officer to verify infrastructure facilities if any deficiency exists.

Court: High Court of Judicature at Bombay, Bench at Aurangabad

Coram: Hon’ble Mr. Justice Siddheshwar S. Thombre

Date of Judgment: 6th April 2026

Citation: Writ Petition No. 13103 of 2017 (unreported)

Core Law: Maharashtra Educational Institutions (Management) Act, 1976 – Sections 3, 4; Principles of Natural Justice; Duty to give reasoned orders

1.  Heading of the judgment

High court of judicature at bombay bench at aurangabad

Writ petition no. 13103 of 2017

Shri rameshwar education society bhokardan through its assistant secretary (petitioner) vs. The state of maharashtra & ors. (respondents)

Coram: hon’ble mr. justice siddheshwar s. thombre

Date: 6th april, 2026

2. Legal framework

Major laws and provisions involved:

• Maharashtra educational institutions (management) act, 1976 – section 3 (taking over management of educational institution by Director), section 4 (appointment of administrator)

• Principles of natural justice – audi alteram partem (reasonable opportunity of being heard), duty to give reasoned order

Subject matter of the judgment:

Whether the Director of Education and the State Government were justified in appointing an administrator over an educational institution under Section 3 of the Act based solely on the existence of internal management disputes and multiple change reports, without any material showing neglect of duties or detriment to public interest, and whether the appellate order of t

... Upgrade to a Premium Plan to view the full judgment.