The school education officer of Mumbai South Zone has issued a show-cause notice to St Mary’s High School (ICSE), Mazagaon, over allegations that its principal, Fr Jude Fernandes, 62, continues to serve in the role despite exceeding the prescribed retirement age which is 58 years. The notice has sparked a widespread debate about adherence to retirement regulations in educational institutions and the motivations behind such enforcement.

Fr Fernandes, who previously retired as principal of St Mary’s High School (SSC) in 2015, was appointed as the principal of the ICSE section in 2024. The move, now under scrutiny, raises questions about compliance with the Maharashtra Employees of Private Schools (MEPS) (conditions of service) Regulation Act, 1977, which mandates a retirement age of 58 for school employees, including principals. Education department officials have clarified that this regulation applies universally to all private schools, irrespective of their board affiliation. The school authorities have been asked to respond to the notice, clarifying the circumstances under which Fr Fernandes continues to hold the position.