A principal of an unaided minority senior secondary school in Kerala has approached the High Court for permission to hold vacation classes in May for students from grades IX to XII. The Division Bench comprising Justice A. Muhamed Mustaque and Justice Shoba Annamma Eapen stated that classes cannot begin without the court’s order. While the school can inform students about the planned classes, their commencement requires a formal court order.
The school argues that the decision to grant vacations lies with them. They claim that the Kerala Education Act and Rules don’t apply to CBSE and CISCE affiliated schools, citing the 2019 case of Sandhya V Nar vs. State of Kerala. However, they are currently restricted by an order issued by the Director of General Education in May 2023, which prohibits classes during vacations which is based on a previous circular from 2017.
The school emphasizes the need to complete the curriculum by the end of November to allow ample time for revision and exam preparation for students appearing for board exams. They argue that without May classes, there would be undue pressure on both teachers and students to finish the syllabus, potentially impacting board exam performance.
The plea mentions that hartals (strikes) and state-declared holidays eat into valuable teaching days. Additionally, school events like sports days, annual days, and cultural competitions further reduce instructional time. Therefore, the school requests permission to conduct classes in the month of May to achieve the minimum working hours required to complete the syllabus before board exams.
The plea was moved by Advocates Isaac Kuruvilla Illikal and Baby Issac Illickal. When the matter came for consideration yesterday, the court posted the case for a statement from the State Government. The next hearing is scheduled for Monday, April 1st.
