Bombay High Court asks district judges across Maharashtra to monitor ‘grim situation’ in government schools

The Aurangabad bench of the Bombay High Court has ordered the formation of a district-level committee with district judges at the helm to monitor the ‘grim situation’ in government-run schools of Maharashtra. [Registrar Judicial, Aurangabad Bench v. State of Maharashtra & Ors.].A division bench of Justice Ravindra V Ghuge and YG Khobragade passed the order after being informed of a government-run school in Aurangabad that did not have electric supply for over 18 months.The Court was dealing with a 2018 public interest litigation concerning the bad conditions of schools being operated by the local civic authorities in Maharashtra. The Court was also shown a newspaper report that contained a photo showing students sitting on the classroom floor while surrounded by empty bottles of liquor..Advocate Rashmi S Kulkarni, appointed as amicus curiae, urged the court to take serious note of the issue and constitute a committee in each district to inspect such schools and give recommendations. The Court remarked that if the structural conditions of the schools are dilapidated, it would lead to physical risks for the students.The judges took note of the “grim situation” and opined that things were at a stage where it was imminent and necessary to form committees to safeguard children’s future. “Things have come to such a stage that it is imminent and necessary to form committees if the future of these young children is to be safeguarded and given the highest priority. Necessary steps will have to be taken if the concerned authorities are failing in their duties. 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,” the Court recorded, in its order passed earlier this month. .The bench directed constitution of a committee in each district across the State which would comprise the following members: The principal district judge;The district collector;The education officer in Zilla Parishad (secretary);Executive engineer of the Public Works Department, as someone having expertise for evaluation of the structural stability of such schools;District Superintendent of Police, to ensure law and order. If the premises of the schools are found to be used for unethical, impermissible or offensive activities, the Police Authorities should initiate appropriate action against the wrongdoers, the Court added. .The Court directed the newly-formed committees to commence inspections and, if required, to video record the visit. The district administration was directed to bear the expenses. The High Court called for a report of the inspection with suggestions and recommendations by October 1, 2023. .[Read order]