PRINCIPAL KENDRIYA VIDHYALAYA Vs. STATE OF JHARKHAND

JUDGEMENT

(1.) In this case, the main question as raised by the petitioner is whether the District Administration of the State Government in public interest can direct any school. Government or private to close the school or change the school timing or not.

(2.) In the beginning of January, 2003, the temperature in and around Chakradharpur having fallen below the normal level due to cold wave and as a number of students and parents were facing inconvenience to go/or to bring the children in the school in the early morning, the Deputy Commissioner, West Singhbhum, Chaibasa issued an order on 10th January, 2003. The gist of the order, in English version, reads as follows : Taking into consideration the effect of present cold wave, the timing of all Government/non-Government schools for Classes- I to V is fixed from 9.00 a.m. to 2.30 p.m. and for Class-VI to higher class from 8.30 a.m. to 2.30 p.m. until further orders."

(3.) The District Education Officer and District Superintendent of Education were directed to ensure compliance of the order so that no child falls victim of cold wave.