1 2026:CGHC:23274 NAFR HIGH COURT OF CHHATTISGARH AT BILASPUR WPS No. 4246 of 2026 Bal Singh Mandavi S/o- Abhay Ram Mandavi Aged About 55 Years Posted As Principal Government High School Sohpur Block Gurur, District- Balod (Chhattisgarh) ... Petitioner versus 1 - State Of Chhattisgarh Through Its Secretary School Education Department Mantralaya Mahanadi Bhawan, Atal Nagar Raipur, District- Raipur (C.G.) 2 - Director, Directorate Of Public Instructions, Indrawati Bhawan Atal Nagar Naya Raipur, District- Raipur (C.G.) 3 - Collector, District- Balod (C.G.) ... Respondents (Cause title is taken from Case Information System) For Petitioner : Ms. Zainab Mustafa Vanak, Advocate For Respondents/ State : Mr. Y.S. Thakur, Additional Advocate General alongwith Ms. Anuja Sharma, Dy. Govt. Advocate (HON’BLE SHRI JUSTICE BIBHU DATTA GURU) Order on Board SOURABH BHILWAR Digitally signed by SOURABH BHILWAR Date: 2026.05.15 19:28:40 +0530 2 15/05/2026 1. Learned counsel appearing for the petitioner would submit that the petitioner who is posted as Principal at Government High School, Sohpur Block Gurur, District Balod. has been suspended by the Collector Balod vide impugned order dated 7-5-2026 who is not the competent authority. He would further submit that the Principal being Class-II, Gazetted Officer, Collector is not the competent authority, therefore, the suspension is bad-in-law. 2. This issue is no more res integra that the Collector cannot pass the suspension order against Class-II Government servant who is Gazetted Officer. 3. Considering this aspect of the matter, the suspension order dated 7-5-2026 (Annexure P/1) passed by the Collector, Balod is set aside. However, the liberty is granted to the State Government to pass a fresh order by the competent authority. 4. In view of the aforesaid observation and direction, the writ petition is disposed of. Sd/- (BIBHU DATTA GURU) JUDGE $. Bhilwar