Kerala HC allows conduct of vacation classes for students aged above 14

The Kerala High Court issued an interim order staying the state government’s order prohibiting schools from conducting summer vacation classes. In evaluating a petition filed by the Kerala CBSE School Management Association and three CBSE schools, the court permitted the schools to hold classes for students over the age of 14 during the summer break with the consent of the students and their parents. Tuesday, a single judge bench led by Justice A Badharudeen issued the order.

The order is a relief for the schools, as teachers have stated that it would be difficult to complete the sections and ensure adequate review without conducting summer classes. The state government issued an order on May 3 prohibiting schools from conducting summer classes; consequently, the majority of schools that had already begun the classes had to stop. The petitioners challenged this before the court.

The order of the court of appeals stayed the government order for two weeks, and the final decision on the writ petition will be rendered following a thorough hearing of all parties. In the interim, schools may continue vacation classes after ensuring adequate facilities in their respective schools by providing sufficient numbers of classroom fans and potable water.

The PTA (Parent Teacher Association) also consented to the vacation classes, which are designed to benefit the students’ welfare and well-being. The court observed that classes held during the summer vacation, as agreed upon by school officials, parents, and students for the benefit of the students, should not be disrupted absent valid reasons.

In the meantime, the court also ordered that if a parent objects to summer classes, the school administration must consider the objection and postpone summer classes.