High Court Expresses Concern Over School Safety Inspections and Supreme Court Guidelines Implementation

The Lucknow bench of the High Court recently addressed a case concerning school children's safety. It was revealed that schools in the state have not been inspected for 14 years, despite Supreme Court guidelines from 2009. The court expressed dissatisfaction and demanded the minutes of the National Disaster Management Authority meetings from the past two years.

During the hearing, the court emphasised implementing the Supreme Court's 2009 guidelines from the Avinash Mehrotra case. The state government reported that inspecting approximately 141,000 schools would require eight months. An action plan has been devised to include experts in civil engineering, firefighting, road transport, and education for these inspections.

School Safety Inspections

The court mandated that each inspection be recorded on video. This decision aims to ensure transparency and accountability in evaluating schools' structural safety and security measures. The inspections will involve trained professionals from various fields to assess these aspects thoroughly.

In response to a previous order, Deputy Commissioner of Police Traffic Prabal Pratap Singh informed the court that only three schools have complied with providing pick-drop facilities for children up to class 5 within their premises. This order was specifically directed at schools around Hazratganj and Raj Bhavan.

Pick-Drop Facility Compliance

The court has tasked senior advocate JN Mathur, appointed as amicus curiae, with engaging with other school managements about this issue. The aim is to ensure compliance with the pick-drop facility order for young students. This step is crucial for enhancing student safety during their commute.

The petition filed by Gomti River Bank residents in 2020 highlighted concerns about schools operating in residential areas. The court's focus remains on enforcing safety guidelines and addressing these specific issues raised in the petition.

Future Hearings and Actions

The case is scheduled for its next hearing on November 11. The court has indicated that if it finds the disaster authority inactive despite the Supreme Court's directive, it will issue appropriate orders. This underscores the importance of adhering to established safety protocols for schools.

The division bench comprising Justice Alok Mathur and Justice Brijraj Singh passed this order while hearing the public interest litigation (PIL). The ongoing proceedings reflect a commitment to ensuring school environments are safe and compliant with legal standards.

This development highlights the need for regular inspections and adherence to safety norms in educational institutions. The involvement of various experts aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of school safety across the state.