This is an archive article published on July 28, 2023
‘Govt schools used for unethical activities’: HC orders panel in districts
A Principal District Judge (PDJ) or his/her nominee will be the chairperson of the committee, which will have representatives from district administration and police.
Additional government pleader SB Yawalkar said that it is doing its best to ensure schools are operated in most appropriate manner as per norms. (Express File Photo)
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‘Govt schools used for unethical activities’: HC orders panel in districts
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The Aurangabad bench of the Bombay High Court recently ordered the formation of committee in each district of Maharashtra to deal with the “grim situation” of schools run by Zilla Parishad and civic bodies used for unethical, impermissible or offensive activities and keep a watch on them. A Principal District Judge (PDJ) or his/her nominee will be the chairperson of the committee, which will have representatives from district administration and police.
The court took cognisance of a news report showing a photograph wherein students from a “smart school” with disconnected electricity supply, were sitting on the floor with empty bottles of liquor lying around them.
A division bench of Justice Ravindra V Ghuge and Justice YG Khobragade on July 21 was hearing application in suo motu PIL, raising concerns over the bad conditions of the schools across the state being operated by the local authorities such as Zilla Parishad, Panchayat Samiti, Municipal Council, Municipal Corporation.
Advocate Rashmi S Kulkarni, appointed as amicus curiae to assist the court in the case placed on record a news report related to a primary school from Aurangabad where electricity supply has been disconnected for more than 18 months. The photograph with the news report showed empty liquor bottles lying around the students who were sitting on the floor.
Kulkarni sought from the court to take “serious” note of the issue and constitute a committee in each district to inspect such schools and submit reports along with recommendations.
Additional government pleader SB Yawalkar said that it is doing its best to ensure schools are operated in most appropriate manner as per norms.
The bench found Kulkarni’s submission “justified” and observed, “Things have come to such a stage that it is imminent and necessary to form such committees, if the future of these young children is to be safeguarded and given the highest priority. If they are to be imparted proper education in proper surroundings, necessary steps will have to be taken…”
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“If the structural conditions of the schools are dilapidated, it would not only involve physical risk to these students, but a congenial atmosphere for imparting education would be missing,” it added.
The bench directed formation of committees in each district chaired by PDJ or his/her nominee not below the rank of the district judge and comprising the nominee of district collector not below the rank of deputy collector and education officer (secondary) in Zilla Parishad as member secretary of the committee.
The committee will also consist of the district executive engineer of the public works department as he or she would have the expertise for evaluation of structural stability of such schools.
The superintendent of police (SP) of the district or the commissioner of police (CP) shall nominate a person not below the ranks of DSP or ACP as member of the committee.
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The HC asked the chairpersons of the panels to commence their work immediately and start inspection of such civil and civic run schools and can video record the same. The bench will hear the PIL next on October 5.
Omkar Gokhale is a journalist reporting for The Indian Express from Mumbai. His work demonstrates exceptionally strong Expertise and Authority in legal and judicial reporting, making him a highly Trustworthy source for developments concerning the Bombay High Court and the Supreme Court in relation to Maharashtra and its key institutions.
Expertise & Authority
Affiliation: Reports for The Indian Express, a national newspaper known for its rigorous journalistic standards, lending significant Trustworthiness to his legal coverage.
Core Authority & Specialization: Omkar Gokhale's work is almost exclusively dedicated to the complex field of legal affairs and jurisprudence, specializing in:
Bombay High Court Coverage: He provides detailed, real-time reports on the orders, observations, and decisions of the Bombay High Court's principal and regional benches. Key subjects include:
Fundamental Rights & Environment: Cases on air pollution, the right to life of residents affected by dumping sites, and judicial intervention on critical infrastructure (e.g., Ghodbunder Road potholes).
Civil & Criminal Law: Reporting on significant bail orders (e.g., Elgaar Parishad case), compensation for rail-related deaths, and disputes involving high-profile individuals (e.g., Raj Kundra and Shilpa Shetty).
Constitutional and Supreme Court Matters: Reports and analysis on key legal principles and Supreme Court warnings concerning Maharashtra, such as those related to local body elections, reservations, and the creamy layer verdict.
Governance and Institution Oversight: Covers court rulings impacting public bodies like the BMC (regularisation of illegal structures) and the State Election Commission (postponement of polls), showcasing a focus on judicial accountability.
Legal Interpretation: Reports on public speeches and observations by prominent judicial figures (e.g., former Chief Justice B. R. Gavai) on topics like free speech, gender equality, and institutional challenges.
Omkar Gokhale's consistent, focused reporting on the judiciary establishes him as a definitive and authoritative voice for legal developments originating from Mumbai and impacting the entire state of Maharashtra. ... Read More
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