Pallabi Ray v. The State Of West Bengal And ORS.

IN THE HIGH COURT AT CALCUTTA

CIRCUIT BENCH AT JALPAIGURI 25.03.2026 Sl. No.30 tkm W. P. A. 457 of 2026 [Pallabi Ray -Vs- State of West Bengal & Ors.] Mr. J C Roy ... ... for the petitioner Mr. Pretom Das Ms. Kanika Saha Sarkar ... for the State Mr. Bikramaditya Ghosh ... for the primary Board Ms. Mousumi Bhowal ... for DPSC Coochbehar 1.

The affidavit of service is taken on record.

2.

The petitioner has preferred the present petition alleging inaction on the part of the respondent authorities in not considering the petitioner's application dated 28.2.2026 seeking transfer from Balasundar Special Cadre Primary School, Coochbehar, under Mathavanga-IV circle to any nearby school situated close to her residence.

3.

Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that the petitioner has been working as an assistant teacher at Balasundar Special Cadre Primary School, Coochbehar under Mathavanga-IV Circle since 9.7.2021.

4.

Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that the petitioner resides at Coochbehar

which is about 73 kms away from her school.

The petitioner is compelled to travel 146 kms. to and fro to attend her school. It is further submitted that the present school of the petitioner has a student count of approximately 47 students and the teachers are a total of three. In this regard, it is categorically stated that the petitioner is at present surplus teacher in the said school and as such there will be no problem with regard to pupil-teacher ratio if the petitioner is transferred to any other school.

Considering the facts and circumstances as aforesaid, the petitioner applied for intradistrict general transfer on the ground of surplus teacher and distance, vide letter dated 28.2.2026.

5.

Learned counsel for the respondent submits the competent authority has no objection if the representation submitted by the petitioner is considered and decided in accordance with law.

6.

Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that the petitioner shall be satisfied if the said representation is considered and decided within a time bound manner.

7.

Having considered the submissions advanced by the learned counsel for the parties and without entering into the merit of the claim of the petitioner, the present petition is disposed of by directing the respondent no. 6 to consider the petitioner's representation dated 28.2.2026 in accordance with law and the relevant rules by passing a reasoned and speaking order within a period of eight weeks from the date of communication of this order. 8.

It is made clear that this court has not expressed any opinion on the merits of the petitioner's claim and all issues are kept open to be decided by the competent authority in accordance with law.

9.

With the above directions, the present writ petition stands disposed of.

(Gaurang Kanth, J.)