[Kallakurichi Student Suicide] Madras High Court Dismisses Plea Seeking Handing Over Of School To Tamil Nadu Govt

Citing that such an order will have large implications, the bench of Acting Chief Justice T Raja and Justice D Krishnakumar observed as under,

"We could issue such directions to the TN Govt. But there are so many schools in the state of Tamil Nadu. Every school will have some problems. If today your Petition is allowed, tomorrow a lot of people will come asking similar reliefs. The government cannot merely takeover the management. It'll have to take over the land, pay salaries etc. Imagine the implications such a direction will have. We cannot do that"

A 17-year-old girl had died by suicide in the school premises. This was followed by violent protests in the area. The principal, teachers and members of the school management where arrested following the death and were later granted bail by the High Court.

Today, the President of the Desiya Makkal Sakthi Katchi moved the High Court seeking directions to the State. He submitted that following court orders, the school was allowed to be reopened. However, since the investigation was underway, it was not wise for the school to be handed over to the same management. 

Citing previous incidents of alleged mismanagement, he submitted the school authorities had clearly failed to prevent unlawful activities. He had also sought an interim direction for appointing of a special officer to control the administration till the disposal of the plea.

The court however orally observed that the petitioner had not provided any specific reasons which would necessitate the handing over of management to the state government. Thus, the court dismissed the petition.

Case Title: M.L Ravi v The Principal Secretary and others

Case No: WP No. 26264 of 2022