Re-Opening of Schools Should Not Become A Super-Spreader Of Covid-19: Karnataka High Court

A division bench of Justice B V Nagarathna and Justice P Krishna Bhat orally said "Opening of schools is easy but it should not be a super spreader of Covid-19 so that schools have to be shut again."

The bench took note of the circular issued by the government dated August 16, which allowed reopening of schools following covid-19 norms. The circular states that physical classes shall be conducted in the first half of the day while giving an option to the parents to either allow their children to attend schools physically or through virtual mode.

The Court thus went on to order,

"We direct the Member Secretary of Karnataka State Legal Services Authority, who will in turn direct all member secretaries of district legal services authority, to make inspection of government and aided institutions on random basis, vis-a-vis compliance of SOP at the said institution which have reopened today. KSLSA to seek a report from the district legal service authorities and compile the same and place it before the court on or before August 30."

The direction was passed while the hearing a public interest litigation filed by one Radha M, seeking directions to the government to reopen schools in a phased manner and also to provide mid-day meals to children.

The court also directed the state government to place on record the data vis-a-vis the vaccination drive conducted for the teaching and non-teaching staff of the Government and Aided Schools throughout the State, District-wise as front line workers.

Case Title: Radha M and State of Karnataka

Case No: WP 2366/2021