HC grants ad interim relief to Stepping Stones School; Education director’s decision to withdraw recognition of school challenged

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: The Aurangabad Bench of the Bombay High Court has granted ad interim relief to Stepping Stones High School in connection with the education directorate’s decision to withdraw recognition of the school.

According to details, a parent had complained about an attempt to sexually harass his ward in December 2025. The police, education department had taken cognisance of the matter which had also become sub judice. On March 18 this year, the deputy director, education withdrew the recognition of the school. Raj Education and Charitable Trust that runs the school challenged the decision with the education director, Pune who also ruled in favour of withdrawing the recognition.

The Stepping Stones management then approached the Aurangabad bench of the HC. The bench observed that as on today, 1167 students are taking education in the school and suddenly the action of de-recognition is taken without following the procedure laid down in the relevant sections of the Secondary School Code. Prima facie, action appears to be in violation of principles of natural justice and is disproportionate to the allegations made against the school. Ordering issuance of notices to respondents,

the court granted ad-interim relief to the school.

Welcoming the HC decision, the school said it will continue to function with the same dedication, and integrity.