TN School Reopening: Madras HC asks Government not to impose physical classes on students – Times Now

Recently, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin announced that schools and colleges will reopen in Tamil Nau from tomorrow, that is September 1, 2021. Schools will reopen for classes 9 to 12 with COVID-19 protocols. However, the Madras High Court has ordered Tamil Nadu government to not make physical classes mandatory for students. Further, the court has also asked TN government to file a reply about the same by September 7, 2021. 

K Abdul Vahabudeen from Tirunelveli district filed a Public Interest Litigation, PIL that insisted that along with physical classes, online classes should continue for students from classes 9 to 12. The matter was heard by a division bench comprising of Justice Duraiswamy and Justice Murali Shankar. 

Related: Tamil Nadu Schools for classes 9 to 12 and colleges to reopen from September 1, No change in decision

According to the petitioner, with the absence of vaccination for students as well as the possibility of arrival of the third wave of COVID-19, it should not be made mandatory for students to attend physical classes in schools. The petitioner also highlighted in his plea that schools should follow all protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19. 

Tamil Nadu government was represented by Advocate General R Shanmugasundaram who insisted that the state has ensured that all COVID-19 protocols are followed as they reopen educational institutes in the state. Shanmugasundaram mentioned that the students who want to continue online classes can do so with the consent of their guardians. Tamil Nadu government has also allowed school as well as college hostels to reopen for students with COVID-19 protocols. 

After hearing the matter, Justice Duraiswamy and Justice Murali Shankar gave the order that no student should do forced to resume physical classes. As of now, Madras High Court adjourned the case for September 7, 2021.