“Children Need A Break To Have Fun”: Kerala HC Refuses To Permit Vacation Classes

The Kerala High Court recently refused to extend an interim order that had permitted Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) schools to hold vacation classes for children above the age of 14.

While doing so, single-judge Justice PV Kunhikrishnan made some observations about the significance of summer break for kids’ well-being.

“Students require a break after a hectic academic year. That is why students are given summer vacation. Students should enjoy their vacations and rejuvenate for the upcoming academic year. Students can divert their attention away from traditional study materials during the holidays. They can pursue their other goals through extracurricular activities, which they are often unable to pursue during the school year,” the judge stated in his judgement.

He underlined the importance of children spending leisure time with their families and friends, especially given the hectic academic year.

“Summer vacation is necessary for students to spend time with their families and to take a mental break. Concentrating solely on schoolwork would be insufficient for the children. Let them to sing, dance, eat their favourite foods without worrying about the next day’s homework, and watch their favourite television shows. Let them to play cricket, football, or other preferred sports, and let them to go on family holidays. A hectic academic year is on the way. Prior to it, the student body requires a break. The students in the 10th and Higher Secondary School definitely need a break before entering their pivotal academic year in their lives,” Justice Kunhikrishnan added.

The order was passed on a petition seeking for an interim directive to the Regional Director of CBSE to allow vacation classes in CBSE schools.

The Director of General Education (DGE) of the state has issued a circular objecting to vacation classes.

The Kerala CBSE School Management Association then moved before the High Court against the circular.

The circular mentioned existing weather circumstances as well as student enjoyment of vacation as reasons to argue against vacation classes.