In the aftermath of a tragic incident at a government school in Jhalawar district, where the collapse of a classroom ceiling and wall claimed the lives of seven children and left several others injured, the Rajasthan High Court took suo motu cognizance of the matter. The Court described the incident as deeply heart-wrenching and stressed the paramount importance of ensuring the safety of students in educational institutions. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, it summoned both state and central government representatives to furnish detailed reports on the condition of school infrastructure and the measures being implemented to prevent such tragedies in the future.
The Court observed alarming data indicating the extent of the crisis. Across 12 states, including Rajasthan, approximately 22% of school buildings were reported to be in a dilapidated condition, while 31% had visible structural cracks, making them unsafe for use. Within Rajasthan, the scenario was even more concerning. Around 32% of schools lacked electricity facilities, 9% had no access to safe drinking water, and nearly 10 to 11% of schools did not have separate toilets for girls. These deficiencies highlighted the systemic neglect of school infrastructure, raising serious concerns about the welfare of schoolchildren.
During the preliminary hearing of the suo motu Public Interest Litigation initiated by the High Court, a significant directive was issued restraining the state government from using any school buildings or classrooms deemed unsafe or dilapidated until further orders. The Court emphasized that no child should be subjected to learning in hazardous conditions. It further directed the government to make alternative arrangements so that the education of students would not be disrupted while unsafe buildings were rendered unusable.
The state government, in its submissions before the Court, acknowledged the magnitude of the problem and admitted that approximately 5,667 government school buildings were categorized as unsafe. This admission highlighted the urgency of the matter and the need for immediate remedial steps. While the state sought additional time to submit a comprehensive response, the Court insisted that the safety of children could not be compromised and required swift, transparent action to address the crisis.
The High Court’s intervention reflects its strong commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of children, particularly the fundamental right to education in a safe environment. By restraining the use of unsafe school structures and directing the provision of alternative facilities, the Court sought to strike a balance between ensuring safety and maintaining continuity in education.
This case underscores the critical role of judicial oversight in holding the state accountable for infrastructural deficiencies in public institutions. It also serves as a reminder of the urgent need for governments to prioritize school safety, allocate adequate resources, and establish monitoring mechanisms to prevent avoidable tragedies. The High Court’s suo motu action stands as a significant step in demanding institutional accountability while ensuring that the lives of young students are safeguarded against systemic neglect.
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