Meenakshi Educational Trust v. The State Of Tamilnadu
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED : 30.06.2023 CORAM :
THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE M. DHANDAPANI W.P.No.19485 of 2023 Meenakshi Educational Trust, Rep. by its Secretary, No.R-54, T.V.S.Avenue, Anna Nagar West Extension, Chennai - 600 101.
...
Petitioner Vs.
1. The State of Tamil Nadu, Rep. by its Secretary, Department of School Education, Fort St. George, Chennai - 600 009.
2. The Director of Private Schools, College Road, Chennai - 600 006.
3. The Chief Educational Officer, Saidapet, Chennai - 600 015.
4. The District Educational Officer, (Private Schools), Thiruvallur District, Thiruvallur.
... Respondents Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents to consider and 1/6
pass orders forthwith on petitioner's representation dated 31.10.2022 for closure of its Maharishi Vidya Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Anna Nagar West Extension, Chennai from the academic year 2018. For Petitioner :
Ms.Abisha Isaac for Isaac Chambers For Respondents :
Mr.V.Manoharan, AGP ****
ORDER
This writ petition has been filed seeking for issuance of a writ of mandamus to direct the respondents to consider and pass orders forthwith on petitioner's representation dated 31.10.2022 for closure of its Maharishi Vidya Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Anna Nagar West Extension, Chennai from the academic year 2018.
2. Mr.V.Manoharan, learned Additional Government Pleader accepts notice for respondents. In view of the consent expressed by learned counsel on either side this writ petition is taken up for final disposal at the admission stage itself.
3. It is the case of the petitioner that the petitioner Trust is a registered Trust, which established a school in the name and style of Meenakshi 2/6
Matriculation School in the year 1987. Subsequently, the school name was changed as Maharishi Vidya Mandir Matriculation Higher Secondary School in the year 2021 and the same was approved by the Directorate of Matriculation Schools vide proceedings in Na.Ka.No.5627/Aa2/2021 dated 29.12.2021. Due to Covid-19 situation, the strength of the school started to dwindle and the management made arrangements to shift the existing children to get admitted in the neighbouring schools after discussing with the Parents Teachers Association. Thereafter, the petitioner made a representation dated 31.10.2022, to the second respondent seeking closure of the aforesaid school. Since the same was not considered, the petitioner has filed the present writ petition.
4. Though very many grounds have been raised, learned counsel for the petitioner submits that it would suffice if this Court issues a direction to the second respondent to consider the petitioner's representation dated 31.10.2022 and pass appropriate orders within the time frame that may be fixed by this Court.
5. On the above contentions heard learned Additional Government 3/6
Pleader appearing for respondents and perused the materials placed on record.
6. Considering the facts and circumstances of the case, this Court without going into the merits of the case directs the second respondent to consider the petitioner's representation dated 31.10.2022 on merits and in accordance with law within a period of four (4) weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. No costs.
7. Accordingly, this writ petition is disposed of. No costs. 30.06.2023 Index : Yes / No Speaking order / Non speaking order Netrual Citation Case : Yes / No (rap) To
1. Secretary, The State of Tamil Nadu, Department of School Education, Fort St. George, Chennai - 600 009.
2. The Director of Private Schools, College Road, Chennai - 600 006.
3. The Chief Educational Officer, 4/6
Saidapet, Chennai - 600 015.
4. The District Educational Officer, (Private Schools), Thiruvallur District, Thiruvallur.
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M.DHANDAPANI, J.
rap 30.06.2023 6/6