New Delhi: The Delhi High Court heard a public interest litigation (PIL) on Wednesday regarding alleged unauthorized construction, illegal shops, and a religious structure located within the premises of a school run by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).
During the hearing, the court expressed serious concerns about some unmonitored openings in the school that could endanger the safety of students. The judges, Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyay and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, asserted that it is the MCD’s duty to ensure proper security protocols. They directed the corporation to take swift action to secure these openings and safeguard the children.
Concerning the illegal shops, the court instructed the MCD to undertake a comprehensive investigation. Should any illegal shops be found operating within the school grounds, appropriate measures should be taken against them.
In concluding the case, the court stressed the importance of implementing necessary safety measures, mandating the MCD to take comprehensive actions, including constructing a boundary wall around the school for enhanced security.
The bench noted that the issues raised in the PIL warranted serious attention. They ordered that the claims made in the petition be treated as a formal representation to the MCD, directing the corporation to verify the allegations, conduct a thorough survey, and if unauthorized construction is confirmed, escalate the matter to the Religious Committee for further consideration.
The MCD’s counsel clarified that the religious structure in question existed prior to the establishment of the school. According to Supreme Court guidelines, any grievances related to this structure should be dealt with by the Religious Committee. Furthermore, it was noted that the alleged illegal shops were said to be situated outside the school boundaries.
The PIL, filed by the Save India Foundation through Advocate Umesh Sharma, expressed concerns about loudspeakers and various windows and doors opening towards the school, which could jeopardize student safety. It also raised issues related to the protection of several hundred female students attending the school from unauthorized entry onto the campus. Additionally, the petition claimed that the main gate of the school had been encroached upon, limiting students’ access.
