Gujarat HC urges Seventh Day school to offer 1,000 low-fee seats in tribute to murdered student

A month after a Class 10 student was murdered by a schoolmate at Seventh Day Adventist School in Khokhra, Ahmedabad, the Gujarat High Court on Wednesday proposed that the institution admit 1,000 children, about 10% of its pupils, either free or at a nominal fee as a tribute to the victim.

Justice Nikhil Kariel said such an initiative would be “a true tribute to the deceased student,” and directed that the matter be heard again next week. The court also ordered strict enforcement of the state’s School Safety Policy.

Under the Right to Education (RTE) Act, private unaided schools must reserve 25% of seats in Class 1 for children from disadvantaged backgrounds, though minority institutions are exempt. Seventh Day Adventist School has minority status for its higher-secondary section and is seeking similar recognition for its primary wing, which affects how the RTE quota applies. The high court’s suggestion of a 10% quota at nominal fees would run parallel to, and not replace, this existing legal requirement.

Inquiry into school’s compliance

The District Education Officer (DEO) had earlier issued a notice to the school and sought documents, a move the High Court upheld while refusing relief to the management. The DEO now has a free hand to investigate compliance with regulations.

During the hearing, Justice Kariel asked whether the school was following the RTE mandate or offering scholarships. Government counsel said officials had been trying for two years to ensure compliance without success. The school’s lawyer noted that a scholarship had been announced in the victim’s memory.

Sympathy for parents, focus on 10,000 students

Parents of the murdered child requested to join the proceedings. Offering condolences, the court observed that “no parent should have to face such a tragedy,” but stressed that the futures of the school’s 10,000 students could not be left in doubt. The accused has been arrested and will face legal action.

This came after school authorities told the court that Central Board examinations normally held mid-year in November are at risk.

About 40 police personnel are stationed during the day and 30 at night, and CCTV installation is under discussion. Classes can resume only after approval from the police and education department.

The court said the parents could participate in the DEO’s committee if they wished, calling the incident “an eye-opener,” and directed the school to cooperate fully with the inquiry.

Concern over children’s exposure to violence

All parties before the high court agreed that children are picking up violent behaviour from content on mobile phones. Justice Kariel suggested appointing qualified counsellors in schools. The government counsel added that while India does not have a “gun culture” like the one seen in the United States, “the safety of students in schools must remain the topmost priority.”