Gujarat High Court Upholds Student Safety, Denies Relief to Ahmedabad School
The Gujarat High Court has firmly refused to grant relief to an Ahmedabad school seeking permission to admit new students, emphasizing that the safety and life of students cannot be put at risk. This decision comes in the wake of a tragic stabbing death of a Class 10 student in August 2025 and a subsequent attack reported in February 2026.
Court Cites Grave Incidents in Denying Admissions
In a hearing on Tuesday, a single-judge bench of Justice Nirzar Desai rejected the petition filed by three bodies of the school, which challenged a December 15, 2025, order by the Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board (GSHSEB). The order had directed the District Education Officer (DEO) of Ahmedabad to take administrative control of the school and prohibited new admissions. The court noted that allowing admissions at this stage would compromise student safety while examining the legality of the takeover.
Government Pleader G H Virk informed the court about a second incident on February 6, 2026, where a student sustained injuries from an attack with a blade. Shockingly, the headmaster of the school reportedly replied to a DEO notice by stating that this incident was "not a big incident". The court highlighted this response in its oral order, underscoring the seriousness of the safety lapses.
Details of the Petition and Court Proceedings
The petition, which runs into 168 pages, was filed against the state government and the DEO. It sought to set aside the clause barring new admissions from the GSHSEB order. Senior Advocate Mihir Joshi, representing the school, argued for interim relief to admit students. However, the court declined, citing the larger interest of students and the need to avoid risks during the legal examination.
The court also pointed out delays in challenging the order, noting that the petition was presented on January 9, 2026, registered on January 20, and first heard on January 23 before being adjourned to the recent hearing. The takeover had already been implemented based on earlier reports from the DEO and the Director of Primary Education, which highlighted serious deficiencies in school administration.
Additional Applications and Future Hearing
During the proceedings, the court refused to allow three other applications seeking to join as parties in the case, including one from a parents' association (Vali Mandal Sangharsh Samiti) and another from a teachers' association. These applicants withdrew their civil applications to file separate substantive petitions.
The matter has been scheduled for a full hearing on May 7, 2026, where the court will further delve into the validity of the GSHSEB order and the ongoing safety concerns at the school.
Background and Implications
The GSHSEB's action was initiated following an inquiry into the August 2025 stabbing death, with reports from October and November 2025 detailing alleged irregularities in school management. This case highlights critical issues in educational governance and student protection in Gujarat, setting a precedent for how courts handle safety breaches in schools.
