~By Kunal Rao

A Delhi High Court bench headed by Chief Justice Rajendra Menon on Thursday (Sep 6) directed Delhi Govt to demolish the entire building of govt-aided Alok Punj Secondary School, Karawal Nagar. It also directed transfer of all students of the school to other govt schools.

The bench said: “In this matter we are only concerned to the extent of condition of the building and safety of the children studying there. We are only permitting you to shift the students and construct a new building there.

“Only considering the shifting of the student to the other place and the govt shall take necessary steps to reconstruct the entire building as at present it is dangerous and can fall anytime. Delhi govt shall file a status report by what time the students be shifted and building rebuilt. One week time granted to file a reply. Secretary of the Department (Education) take note of it and look into the matter.”

This direction came after the Delhi govt informed the court that on inspection, Chief engineer CPWD, found school building very dangerous and could collapse anytime. The govt decided to provide free bus services to students.

The court was hearing a PIL filed by an NGO Social Jurist through Advocate Ashok Agarwal raising concern over the dilapidated building of Alok Punj Secondary School and how it endangers the lives of 2,600 students studying in the Class of 6 to 10.

The bench had earlier directed Secretary (Education) to personally look into the matter as it concerned safety, security and education of the students.

The matter will again be heard on September 27.

—India Legal Bureau