The Gujarat High Court on Friday came down heavily on the management of Seventh Day Adventist School over its alleged administrative and security lapses that led to the fatal stabbing of a Class 10 student by a fellow student last August. The incident had triggered public outrage, prompting the state government to step in and take over the school’s management.
Justice Nirzar Desai, hearing the plea filed by the school management challenging the administrative takeover by the District Education Officer (DEO), raised pointed concerns about the school’s functioning. “Would any parent, fully aware of the serious concerns flagged by the state, willingly admit their child to such an institution?” the court asked.
The state government, represented by government pleader G.H. Virk, firmly opposed any interim relief to the school, accusing it of persistent non-cooperation. The court was informed that since mid-December, the school had not furnished crucial documents despite repeated requests, nor had it submitted its financial records which were being sought for over a month.
One of the serious allegations made by the state was that the school was collecting fees in cash without maintaining transparent records—raising red flags about possible financial mismanagement. The government also clarified that fresh admissions were suspended purely as a safety measure, given the gravity of the incident.
Rejecting the school’s claim that it had been cooperating with the authorities, the court observed that mere verbal assurances did not amount to genuine compliance. Justice Desai also made an emotionally charged observation, stating, “No amount of compensation can undo the death of a child or restore the shattered dreams of grieving parents.”
In a scathing remark, the judge condemned the school’s conduct, saying its treatment of education as a profit-making business was unacceptable. “Even basic morality should have compelled the management to step aside the moment it was evident that it had failed to ensure student safety,” the bench remarked.
An association of parents, including the family of the deceased student, has also moved to become a party in the proceedings, opposing the school’s attempt to reclaim control. The court has posted the matter for further hearing on February 10.
