1 2026:CGHC:26066 NAFR HIGH COURT OF CHHATTISGARH AT BILASPUR WPS No. 4784 of 2026 Luman Singh Sahu S/o Late Shri Laxman Prasad Sahu Aged About 54 Years Principal, Govt. High School, Mogri, Block Gunderdehi, Distt. Balod, Chhattisgarh. ... Petitioner(s) versus 1 - State Government Of Chhattisgarh Through The Secretary, School Education Department Ministry, Mahanadi Bhawan, New Raipur, P.S. Rakhi, C.G. 2 - Director Directorate Of Public Instructions, Indrawati Bhawan, Atal Nagar, New Raipur, Distt. Raipur, Chhattisgarh. 3 - Collector Balod, Distt. Balod, Chhattisgarh. ... Respondent(s) (Cause title taken from CIS) For Petitioner(s) : Shri Vinod Kumar Sharma, Advocate For Respondent(s) : Ms. Anuja Sharma, Dy. Govt. Advocate Hon'ble Shri Bibhu Datta Guru , Judge Order on Board SHOAIB ANWAR Digitally signed by SHOAIB ANWAR Date: 2026.06.29 10:13:38 +0530 2 25.06.2026 1. Learned counsel appearing for the petitioner would submit that the petitioner who is posted as Principal at Government Higher School, Mogri Gunderdehi District Balod, has been suspended by the Collector, Balod vide impugned order dated 07.05.2026 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 07.05.2026 (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 Shoaib