The Chhattisgarh High Court has expressed serious concerns over the safety of children at Government Primary School, Tukardih, where 139 students are reportedly studying under the constant threat of electrocution. In a suo moto public interest litigation (WPPIL No. 75 of 2024), the court took cognizance of a report published in Haribhoomi, Bilaspur, highlighting the precarious condition of the school building and the illegal electricity connections that endanger the lives of the students.
Background of the Case
The case arose from a newspaper article, which detailed the dangerous conditions surrounding the Government Primary School in Tukardih. According to the report, the school’s building is severely dilapidated, with a roof that has become a hazard for the children. Adding to the danger is the presence of illegal electricity connections running over the school building, with wires reportedly touching the roof, thereby supplying current to the structure.
Despite repeated complaints to both the Education Department and the Electricity Department, no corrective action had been taken, leading to an imminent threat to the lives of the children. Local villagers, who are responsible for the illegal connections, have also refused to disconnect them, further exacerbating the situation.
Court Proceedings
The matter was brought to the attention of the High Court by way of a suo moto public interest litigation, with Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Bibhu Datta Guru presiding over the case. The court was represented by Mr. Prafull N. Bharat, Advocate General of Chhattisgarh, and Mr. Shashank Thakur, Deputy Advocate General, appearing for the State.
During the hearing on 23 September 2024, the learned Advocate General sought a short adjournment to take instructions regarding the dangerous situation at the school. However, the court, visibly disturbed by the lack of urgency on part of the authorities, directed the Secretary of the School Education Department to file a personal affidavit outlining the actions taken to rectify the situation.
Legal Issues and Observations
The court highlighted the negligence on the part of the authorities, particularly the Education and Electricity Departments, in ensuring the safety of school children. The failure to disconnect the illegal electricity connections, despite multiple complaints, was deemed as a grave oversight. The court expressed concern over the potential for a fatal accident, stating:
“The life of 139 students is in grave danger, and any untoward incident could happen at any time. The inaction of the relevant authorities is not only negligent but puts the fundamental right to life of these children at risk.”
Court Orders
In response to the gravity of the situation, the court issued a directive for the Secretary of the School Education Department, Mahanadi Bhawan, Atal Nagar, to submit a personal affidavit by 30 September 2024. The affidavit must detail the steps taken to ensure the safety of the students and the removal of the illegal electricity connections.
The case will be heard next on 30 September 2024, when the court expects to receive a full report from the authorities. The court’s stern directive signals that any further delay or inaction may lead to severe consequences for the officials involved.
Case Details:
– Case Number: WPPIL No. 75 of 2024
– Parties Involved: Suo Moto Public Interest Litigation vs. State of Chhattisgarh & Others
– Bench: Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Bibhu Datta Guru
– Advocate for the State: Mr. Prafull N. Bharat, Advocate General, assisted by Mr. Shashank Thakur, Deputy Advocate General
