'Lying In Shambles': Delhi High Court Issues Notice To Directorate Of Education Over Inoperational School Building Since 2014

The Delhi High Court has issued notice to the Directorate of Education, Delhi government, over non-utilization of a "full-fledged school" building, purportedly lying vacant and inoperational since the year 2014.

The Division bench of Acting Chief Justice Vipin Sanghi and Justice Navin Chawla directed the authority to produce relevant records pertaining to the building, on the next date of hearing, i.e., March 29.

In its order, the Bench noted,

"Petitioner has preferred this petition bringing to the notice of this Court that a full-fledged school developed in Joshi Colony, IP Extension, Delhi is lying in shambles. Petitioner submits that in response to a query raised under RTI, he has been informed that the school building has not been handed over to Directorate of Education, GNCTD."

The petition was filed by a NGO namely 'Lakshay-Yuvao Ko Nayi Disha' through its President Sanju, claiming to be working for the welfare of the students. It was alleged that the 'Balika Vidyalya' in question was developed in the year 2011. The building was inaugurated in the year 2014 and has since been lying vacant and inoperational. The building was purportedly built by utilizing the funds provided by the Members of Parliament.

The information was obtained by the Petitioner by filing an RTI application with the DoE, which in its reply stated that the building has not been handed over to the body.

The plea has been filed though Advocate Sanjay Bhardwaj.

Case Title: Lakshay-Yuvao Ko Nayi Disha v. GNCTD