Goa, Oct. 10 -- In a landmark judgment reaffirming the constitutional autonomy of minority educational institutions, the Bombay High Court at Goa has upheld the right of the Diocesan Society of Education to manage and administer its schools - including appointing and disciplining staff - without State interference, provided educational standards are maintained.

Delivering the verdict on two writ petitions filed by the Society, a Division Bench comprising Justice Bharati Dangre and Justice Nivedita Mehta ruled that the Diocesan Society, being a linguistic and religious minority institution, is not bound to follow State procedures for staff appointments under the Goa School Education Rules, 1986.

"We deem it appropriate to declare that th...