Chutki Bhandar Girls Intermediate College in Lucknow Faces Urgent Relocation; Court Directs Safety Measures and Infrastructure Reconstruction
In a significant ruling, the Allahabad High Court has directed the cessation of academic activities at Chutki Bhandar Girls Intermediate College, located in Husainganj, Lucknow, following its declaration as a structurally unsafe facility. The order, delivered by a division bench comprising Justices Alok Mathur and Brij Raj Singh, came in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) highlighting the perilous condition of the more-than-century-old school building.
The court noted the presence of "Shear Failure Crack" and "Structural Failure" in the school's infrastructure, based on a supplementary affidavit filed after an inspection by the District Inspector of Schools and Public Works Department engineers. Given the imminent risk of collapse, the court mandated that all academic activities within the premises cease within one week.
The District Inspector of Schools has been tasked with ensuring the safe transfer of students to alternative institutions, preferably those selected by parents. In cases where parents face difficulty in securing new admissions, the Inspector will facilitate placement in suitable schools.
Further, the court addressed the continuity of employment and benefits for the teaching and non-teaching staff, emphasizing their relocation according to State Government policies. As the institution is state-aided, the financial assistance and salaries of the staff are safeguarded under government guidelines.
The management of Chutki Bhandar Girls Intermediate College has been encouraged to seek reconstruction funds under the "Alankar" Scheme, requiring submission of a detailed building plan and cost estimate to the State Government. The court has instructed that any application for financial assistance be considered in compliance with the law.
The case is set to be reviewed on July 16, 2026, with a compliance report due, ensuring adherence to the court’s directives. The High Court's decision underscores the prioritization of student safety and the necessity for educational institutions to maintain secure infrastructures.
Bottom Line:
Public interest litigation seeking closure and relocation of a school operating in a building declared structurally unsafe. Directions issued to ensure the safety of students, transfer them to suitable institutions, and address the service continuity of teaching/non-teaching staff.
Statutory provision(s): Public Interest Litigation, State Government policy on educational institutions, "Alankar" Scheme for reconstruction funding.
Vijay Kumar Pandey v. State of U.P., (Allahabad)(DB)(Lucknow) : Law Finder Doc id # 2902374
