The Kerala High Court recently permitted Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) schools to hold vacation classes for children above the age of 14.
Justice A Badharudeen directed a two-week interim stay on a circular issued by the State’s Director of General Education objecting to vacation classes.
The circular mentioned existing weather circumstances as well as student enjoyment of vacation as grounds to argue against vacation classes.
“Therefore, in the interest of justice, the implementation of Ext. P4 (circular issued by the government in light of the current environmental condition and also to facilitate students’ enjoyment of vacation.) shall be stayed for a period of two weeks from today on the condition that the schools represented by the writ petitioners can continue vacation classes after ensuring proper facilities in the respective schools by providing sufficient numbers of fan at the classrooms and drinking water to adjust with the present environmental situation and the final verdict of the writ petition shall be rendered after hearing all the parties in detail,” the order stated.
The Court was considering a petition filed to issue an interim directive to the Regional Director of CBSE to allow vacation classes in CBSE schools.
The Court also noted that the PTA (Parent Teacher Association), which advocates for students’ welfare and well-being, had also advocated for vacation classes.
“It should be noted in this context that classes during vacation are, in fact, aimed at the welfare and well-being of the students, for which the PTA (Parent Teacher Association) has also given consent. As a result, classes provided during summer vacation, as agreed upon by the school authorities, parents, and students for the benefit of the students, must not be disrupted unless there are valid reasons,” the Court stated.
However, the court directed that if any parent objects to vacation classes, the school administration must examine the said objection and postpone vacation sessions.
“This interim order shall not be construed as a rigour,” the Court stated.
This case will be heard again after May 19, 2023.
