Lack Of Parental Care One Of The Reasons For Child's Addiction To Online Video Games : Kerala HC

Lack of parental care is perhaps one of the reasons for child getting addicted to online games, observed the High Court of Kerala yesterday.

The Court was dealing with a petition by a child seeking permission to appear for plus two examination of Central Board of Secondary Education, despite attendance shortage. The attendance shortage was due to the child's addiction to online video games. He had to seek psychiatric counselling to come out of it. 

Justice Muhamed Mustaque, the single judge dealing with the petition, noted that the child was a brilliant student, having scored high marks in Class X examination. The consultant psychiatrist's report that the child was now physically and mentally fit was also taken note of. 

"The very reason for him to get into trap of such online games is on account of the fact that he finds happiness and solace in such seeks. Lack of parental care perhaps is one of reasons for the child resorting to such games", observed Justice Mustaque.

The Court also added that not permitting him to appear for the examination will amount to penalising him. The school authorities took a stance favouring the child, praying that he may be permitted to appear for the examination, taking it as a special case. However, the counsel for CBSE opposed the prayer, pointing out the regulations.

Observing that the "best interest of the child is the concern of the Court than the regulations", the Court directed CBSE to permit the child to appear for the examinations.

"This Court cannot dilute the regulations but, this Court can always protect the life of such child. Taking into account of his past performance and taking note of the fact that he has now improved, it is appropriate to allow him to write the examinations", held the Court.