Parent Teacher Association has no Authrity to Demolish School Classroom - Proceedings against PTA President can not be quashed
Madras High Court Emphasizes Advisory Role of PTAs and Stresses Need for Approval from Competent Authorities for School Building Alterations
Madurai, September 18, 2025 - In a significant ruling, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court, presided by Justice B. Pugalendhi, dismissed the petition filed by Sarib Abdullah @ Jim, the President of the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) of Kottaipattinam Government Higher Secondary School, seeking to quash proceedings against him related to the unauthorized demolition of two classrooms. The court reinforced the advisory role of PTAs and underscored the necessity for statutory approvals in such matters.
The case stemmed from a resolution passed by the PTA on October 17, 2018, authorizing the demolition of two classrooms deemed unsafe. Sarib Abdullah, implementing the resolution, proceeded with the demolition on May 4, 2019, without obtaining prior approval from the Public Works Department (PWD) or notifying the Headmaster. This led to a complaint filed by the Chief Educational Officer (CEO) following judicial directions, resulting in an FIR against Abdullah under Section 447 of the Indian Penal Code and Section 3 of the Tamil Nadu Property (Prevention of Damage and Loss) Act, 1992.
The petitioner contended that the demolition was politically motivated, citing political rivalry between him, an AIADMK member, and the complainant from the DMK party. Additionally, Abdullah argued that the resolution was signed by key stakeholders, including the Headmaster, teachers, Jamath members, and parents, and relied on precedents like State of Haryana v. Bhajan Lal to argue that the allegations do not constitute an offence. However, the court dismissed these claims, highlighting that the demolition lacked necessary approvals from competent engineering and educational authorities.
Justice Pugalendhi stressed that PTAs, as outlined under Rule 41 of the Tamil Nadu Private Schools (Regulation) Rules, 2018, primarily serve an advisory function concerning student safety, accountability, and school development. They do not possess statutory powers to undertake demolition or construction activities without approval from relevant authorities. The court noted that PTA platforms, when influenced by political motives, could lead to administrative and legal complications, as evidenced in this case.
Furthermore, the court addressed the issue of PTA office bearers continuing their roles post their wards’ departure from the school, emphasizing that only current student parents should be eligible to hold such positions. In this regard, directions were issued to the School Education Department to enforce eligibility verification of PTA office bearers at the start of each academic year.
The judgment serves as a reminder of the intended purpose and limitations of PTAs, advocating for adherence to statutory procedures for school infrastructure modifications. The ruling is expected to have broader implications on the functioning of PTAs across Tamil Nadu, ensuring they operate within their advisory scope and prevent misuse driven by political or extraneous interests.
The dismissal of the petition grants Abdullah the liberty to raise defenses during the trial, while the connected miscellaneous petition was closed.
This ruling not only highlights the procedural requirements for school building alterations but also reiterates the importance of maintaining the integrity and intended function of Parent Teacher Associations in educational institutions.
Sarib Abdullah @ Jim v. State of Tamil Nadu, (Madras)(Madurai Bench) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2780829
