Atheist teacher to get his dues after six years

Six years after denying a higher pay scale to Nashik-based teacher Sanjay Salve, for refusing to fold hands during religious prayers, the school management has finally backed down.

The school on Friday informed the division bench of Bombay High Court that it is ready to pay dues of Mr. Salve from 2008, time since he is eligible for higher pay scale. The school has also agreed to let Mr. Salve stand, without folding his hands, during religious prayers.

The Hindu had reported the teacher’s six-year fight against the school management. The Savitribai Phule Secondary School in Nashik had withheld Mr. Salve’s increments as he refused to participate in the daily prayer. Mr. Salve’s argument is that he is an atheist and that compulsory prayer goes against the Constitution.

The court has asked the school management to draft consent terms within next 15 days and seek approval from Mr. Salve. “If both the parties are agreed on consent terms, then we can resolve the matter in the next hearing,” said Justice Abhay Oka.

The court has also observed that all his Confidential Reports (CRs) from and before year 2008 are ‘excellent.’ “There has been no issue at all regarding his teaching skills. The higher pay scale, as per rules, is his right,” the court said.

Mr. Salve’s lawyer Sanghraj Rupwate assured the court that he will respect the prayers and stand still, but will not fold his hands. “He shouldn’t be disallowed from attending the prayer session,” said Mr. Rupwate. To which the court has directed the school management not to ask him from remaining absent from the prayer session.