Kochi: The Kerala High Court has cautioned school headmasters and principals in the state against involving students in activities outside the educational curriculum based on authorities' instructions. Justice Devan Ramachandran, presiding over a plea challenging a statewide notification mandating students' participation in the 'Nava Kerala Sadass' program, emphasized that the right to education is constitutionally protected and urged educational authorities to prioritize protection over encouraging non-educational activities.
The 'Nava Kerala Sadass' is a statewide outreach initiative aimed at engaging with the public and collecting feedback on the government's progress. PK Navas filed the petition, asserting that authorities issued a statewide notification compelling students to partake in the program. The petitioner sought to annul the order and requested a directive ensuring students would not be coerced to participate. The petitioner highlighted instances where students, while participating in the program, were exposed to the sun on the roadside and engaged in slogan-shouting as the Nava Kerala bus passed by.
During the hearing, the Additional Advocate General informed the High Court that the order was withdrawn on November 20 and assured the bench that no child would be compelled or encouraged to participate in any event across the state. While acknowledging the withdrawal, the High Court stressed the need to prevent future abuses of power by authorities. The court emphasized that the Deputy Director of Education, Malappuram, lacks jurisdiction or competence to issue orders compelling students to participate in non-educational activities. The use of children in such a manner is not authorized under the Kerala Education Act or its rules, the court stated.
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