Summary: A group of schools, including Krushi va Gramin Vikas Pratishtan’s Raje Shahaji Kashinath Mahavidyalaya, successfully challenged the cancellation of their exam centers by the Maharashtra State Board due to a single cheating incident. The Bombay High Court ruled in their favor, emphasizing fairness and proper procedure.
The case involved several high schools in Maharashtra, such as Krushi va Gramin Vikas Pratishtan’s Raje Shahaji Kashinath Mahavidyalaya, who protested against the Maharashtra State Board's decision to cancel their exam centers. The cancellation was based on a cheating incident during the February 2025 exams.
On February 11, 2025, during the English exam, a student was caught cheating. This was an isolated incident, with no evidence of any wrongdoing by the schools or widespread cheating.
"It was a one-time incident by a single student," the schools said.
In July 2025, the Board sent a notice to the schools, questioning their ability to host exams. Despite the schools' explanations and promises, the Board canceled their centers in December 2025.
On January 19, 2026, Judges Smt. Vibha Kankanwadi and Hiten S. Venegavkar decided in favor of the schools. They found the Board’s decision unfair and without good reason.
"Reasons are the heartbeat of the decision," the court emphasized, criticizing the Board's lack of detailed explanation.
Fairness and Procedure: The court highlighted the importance of following proper steps and giving clear reasons for decisions, especially when they have serious consequences.
Disproportionality: The cancellation was considered too severe for the single cheating incident.
School Responsibility: The court noted that schools should not be punished for isolated incidents without evidence of ongoing problems.
The court directed the Board to restore the exam centers and put in place strict measures to prevent future incidents. Schools are required to submit promises to ensure fair conduct during exams.
"Student welfare and exam fairness must be balanced," the court stated, ensuring that future actions are fair and justified.
The judgment underlines the necessity for clear and fair decision-making in educational administration, protecting schools from unfair penalties while maintaining the integrity of exams.
