A.P.Selvi v. Latha Educational Society,

W.M.P.No. 31437 of 2022 IN W.P.No. 28601 of 2022 C.V.KARTHIKEYAN, J.

The matter has been listed again today.

2.

A status report had been filed by the District Collector, Kallakurichi, and I must appreciate that due concern has been shown by the District Collector to all aspects. In the report, he had stated that as suggested by the Superintendent of Police, the District Administration has provided police security of one Sub Inspector of Police and four constables per day in the school premises on payment basis. 3.

I must also state that this arrangement cannot be permanent. Let me straight away state that this arrangement is to be in place till the end of this academic year and during the course of next academic year, the school management must put in place necessary security system by themselves. They can get the assistance of the District Collector and the Superintendent of Police as to the modality in which they should so put in place an efficacious security system.

4.

The District Collector had also stated that the police personal, who are now in position are not in their official uniform while on duty in the school premises. It is also stated that the third floor of the A Block of the school premises is locked and sealed and that the District Collector retain custody of the key.

5.

This point actually addresses an issue raised by the petitioner / A.P.Selvi, who had filed W.M.P.No. 31437 of 2022, seeking to implead herself as party in the Writ Petition. In the affidavit filed, she had raised an apprehension that the said floor which she calls as a scene of occurrence should be retained as investigation has not yet been completed. 6.

The District Collector is also aware of that particular fact and has therefore kept the third floor of A Block under lock and seal and has retained the key.

7.

In view of this specific stand of the District Collector, the apprehensions of the petitioner in W.M.P.No. 31437 of 2022 are directly addressed and since they have been addressed, she need not be a party to the Writ Petition and therefore the said Petition in W.M.P.No. 31437 of 2022 stands dismissed. The concern exhibited by her is noted by this Court. 8.

The reason why the matter is now listed is because there has been a representation on behalf of another parent, who states that the school should be reopened for students from LKG upto 4th Standard. On the previous hearing date, there had been a gradual increase in the number of classes to enable the students to attend the school and it had been stated that from 5th to 8th standard, classes can be resumed. I am informed by the Additional Advocate General Mr.S.Silambanan, who had received instructions that the school is functioning and the students are coming and there have been no complaints and that the situation is normal and under control.

9.

The statement of the learned Additional Advocate General is also recorded.

10.

It is also seen that in view of this particular development, the Court will have to take a decision about reopening the school even from LKG onwards.

11.

The life of any school student starts with forming a bondage among other children of his/her own age. This bondage has to be encouraged. It is for that reason, the age for attending school commences from atleast 4 years of age. That bondage brings about a more socially inclined child.

12.

Nodoubt the school had suffered owing to the unfortunate incident. That should not be held against the school for ever and ever. Things must move forward. In view of that, permission to open classes from LKG onwards till 4th standard is granted. In the initial days, let the school also permit the parents of these young children to be present in school even during the school hours. This step would inspire confidence. The school authorities may also provide a separate room or any other place for the parents to stay and be assured that the students are not affected in any manner whatsoever by revisiting the school. This facility may be

extended by the school authorities atleast till the end of this academic year to any parent and if a request is placed it should not be denied. Even parents of the other classes, who wish to visit the school to find out for themselves, the atmosphere in which the students are studying, may be encouraged to so visit as it would only give an assurance to the parents and also to the children and to the society in general. 13.

I am confident that the Government would also extend a helping hand and if suggestions are given would address the same through the District Administration. The students may therefore begin to attend classes from LKG onwards on any date in the first week of March 2023 as determined by the school authorities.

14.

No further orders are required but let me hold on to the Writ Petition till a further report is received from the District Administration about the working of the school and the education afforded to the students from LKG to 4th standards.

C.V.KARTHIKEYAN, J., vsg 15.

List the matter after 12 weeks. One further report may be given by the District Collector.

28.02.2023 vsg (1⁄2) W.M.P.No. 31437 of 2022 IN W.P.No. 28601 of 2022