The Madhya Pradesh High Court at Jabalpur on Wednesday sought detailed clarification from the State government regarding the participation of teachers in training sessions for the “Hamare Shikshak App” the platform recently introduced for digital attendance marking in government schools. The court’s direction came while hearing a writ petition filed by a group of teachers, led by Satyendra Singh Tiwari, who alleged that they were never informed about or included in the training programme.
Background
The petitioners, represented by advocate Anshuman Singh, approached the court after facing difficulties in marking attendance through the app. According to them, the government’s decision to implement the e-attendance system statewide had been abrupt, with inadequate communication to many educators, particularly in rural areas with poor internet connectivity.
During the hearing, the State’s counsel, government advocate Lalit Joglekar, produced a letter dated July 21, 2025, issued by the Commissioner of Public Instructions, Bhopal. The communication directed all District Education Officers to ensure training sessions for the app were conducted during the last week of July. However, the petitioners maintained that no such training was ever organized for them.
Court’s Observations
Justice Maninder S. Bhatti, who heard the matter, appeared keen to establish whether the petitioners’ claims of exclusion were genuine or due to oversight. “The learned counsel for the State shall obtain instructions as to whether the present petitioners were required to participate in the aforesaid training, and if so, whether they actually attended the same or not,” the judge directed.
The bench also expressed interest in understanding how widespread the use of the “Hamare Shikshak App” had become among government school employees. The State’s counsel informed the court that approximately 73% of employees had already started marking attendance through the app.
Still, the judge noted that merely citing a statewide percentage wasn’t enough. “The State must produce records from the specific schools where the petitioners are posted, showing e-attendance data of other employees,” the bench added, hinting that local implementation data could reveal whether the alleged disparity was systemic or isolated.
Decision
Before adjourning the case, Justice Bhatti issued a set of specific directions. The petitioners were ordered to file individual affidavits detailing whether they attempted to mark attendance through the app and if technical issues, such as poor network connectivity, prevented them from doing so. Meanwhile, the State government must file a counter-affidavit with supporting documents confirming the 73% compliance claim and data from the petitioners’ respective schools.
The matter will next be heard on October 15, 2025, when both sides are expected to present their affidavits. For now, the High Court’s interim order underscores the judiciary’s cautious approach balancing the government’s push for digital governance with the practical challenges faced by teachers on the ground.
Case Title: Satyendra Singh Tiwari & Others vs The State of Madhya Pradesh & Others
Court: High Court of Madhya Pradesh, Jabalpur Bench
Case Number: Writ Petition No. 39386 of 2025
Judge: Justice Maninder S. Bhatti
Petitioners’ Counsel: Shri Anshuman Singh
Respondent’s Counsel (State): Shri Lalit Joglekar, Government Advocate
Date of Order: 09 October 2025
