CHENNAI: Concerned at many schools functioning from unsafe buildings, the Madras High Court has asked the State Government to implement the laws governing school administration to ensure the safety of children.

When a public interest litigation petition, seeking action against a private school management and Pudukottai district authorities for the collapse of a school building roof at Thirugokaranam came up for hearing on Monday, the First Bench said there must be many more schools functioning out of unsafe buildings.

The Bench of Chief Justice A.P. Shah and Justice K. Chandru said that going by the Justice K. Sampath Commission recommendations, made after the school fire tragedy at Kumbakonam, Pudukottai district had many school buildings not approved by structural engineers.

"No legal sanction"

Government Pleader Raja Kalifullah said unless the unapproved private schools applied for recognition, authorities had no legal sanction to insist on such schools adhering to mandatory safety norms.

Even educated parents admitted their wards in unrecognised schools despite widespread awareness campaigns conducted by the Government.

"Use police powers"

The Bench said the Government must implement the laws governing school education. Institutions functioning without permission should close down.

The State could use its police powers to act against institutions that violated the laws.

It adjourned the matter by a week, but told Velmurugan, counsel for the petitioner, that the court would analyse various aspects, including compensation for the injured children.

Though, according to the petitioner, T.R.K. Muthuraman, about 40 children were injured in the January 22 incident, the district administration said 21 persons, including 11 boys, nine girls and a teacher, were injured.

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