HC tells police not to make arrests in Fatima School case

Chennai, Nov 29 (UNI) Madras High Court today directed police not to arrest any teacher or non-teaching staff of Fatima Girls Higher Secondary School, Omalur, Salem, which was at the centre of controversy following the death of a plus two student.

A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice A P Shah and Mr Justice K Chandru gave the directive while passing interim orders on a petition filed by the Tamil Nadu Catholic Educational Association, seeking to appoint a commission of enquiry headed by a retired High Court judge to enquire into the death on November 18 at the school and subsequent destruction of property, jeopardizing the life and safety of the minority Christian community in the State.

The petitioner also sought damages for the institution.

The bench directed the Salem District Collector and District Superintendent of Police to file their counters while adjourning further hearing of the petition to December 7.

The Government Pleader had sought time to take instructions and file a reply, the bench said, adding, mean while, it was made clear that not withstanding the order passed by the Chief Educational Officer, Salem, it was for the school authorities to decide the date of reopening and transfer of teachers in the first instance.

The Government Pleader stated that till the matter was over, no arrest of teachers would be effected.

Counsel appearing for the petitioner submitted that teachers and other staff would cooperate in the investigation. The Investigating Agency was directed to file a status report relating to vandalism.

During the hearing, the bench orally said it would not allow such incidents of vandalism in the state. The police station was near the institution. 'Why did the police fail to prevent the vandalism?' 'If you cannot protect minorities, there is nothing to say. Every citizen should hang his head in shame. How do you justify vandalism? What is the effect this incident will have on the minorities. This scar will remain in the minds of students,' the judges added.

UNI XR AA MQA RN2112