The management of a prominent school in Ahmedabad has approached the Gujarat High Court, challenging the state government's decision to take over its administration. This legal move comes just a day after the government assumed control of the Seventh Day Adventist Higher Secondary School in Maninagar.
Legal Challenge Against Government Takeover
The school filed a special civil application in the high court, which is expected to be heard soon. This institution is substantial, catering to nearly 10,000 students from kindergarten through Class 12. The government's takeover action was initiated on Monday, following a period of scrutiny that began after a tragic incident four months prior.
Murder Case and Irregularities Prompt Action
The state's intervention was triggered by a grave event where a student was allegedly murdered by another student within the same school premises. Subsequent inquiries ordered by the District Education Officer (DEO) uncovered several alleged discrepancies in the school's operations.
The investigation reportedly revealed significant irregularities, including inconsistencies between the name of the trust that was allotted the land and the entity actually running the school. Furthermore, authorities found that the campus lacked the necessary Building Use (BU) permission.
Government's Directive and School's Response
In a government resolution detailing the takeover, officials stated the move was made with the students' interests in mind. The resolution mandated that the District Education Officer (DEO) will act as the school's administrator. A key condition is that no new admissions will be permitted during this period.
The takeover encompasses several sections of the school. The Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board (GSHSEB)-registered segments for Classes 11 and 12 will be managed by the state. The private primary school section will be taken over under the Bombay Primary Education Rules of 1949. Additionally, the primary, secondary, and higher secondary sections affiliated with the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE) board will also fall under government control.
In a separate but related legal action, the school management has also challenged the inquiries ordered by the DEO into the school's affairs following the student's murder. These petitions are already listed for a hearing on Thursday.
