Bombay HC orders SIT to probe schools run by politicians, VVIPs

The Bombay High Court has directed a special investigation team (SIT) formed by the Maharashtra government to investigate alleged irregularities in teacher and staff appointments at all educational institutions across the state, including those run by politicians or VVIPs. Acting Chief Justice Ravindra Ghuge and Justice Gautam Ankhad issued the order on August 14 after noting that the SIT, initially focused on the Nashik division, had expanded its probes to districts like Mumbai, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Amravati, Nagpur, Latur, and Kolhapur.

The court stated that the SIT must investigate all institutions regardless of management and can use information from any source to uncover illegalities that may have caused a loss to the state exchequer, as salary grants are paid from taxpayers' money. The judges also cautioned the SIT to collate information rather than act on rumours or baseless allegations, and to require unconnected persons providing material to file affidavits. The SIT is at liberty to prosecute anyone providing false information.

The court has scheduled the next hearing for September 24 to review the progress made by the SIT.