The Karnataka High Court voiced its significant displeasure with the lack of restrooms and drinking water amenities in schools across Karnataka. The State government was ordered by the court to deal with this problem right now. The bench in the case of Registrar (Judicial) v. The Chief Secretary made an oral comment during the hearing that the lack of such essential facilities in schools could prevent even the most talented students from making contributions to the development of the State and the nation. Chief Justice PB Varale and Justice MGS Kamal were on the bench at the time.
This sincerely saddens us, the court said, expressing its anguish. The dream of sending their children to such schools remains out of reach for parents of less privileged families due to a careless approach, as we previously observed. On the other hand, there are fortunate individuals who have access to schools with modern technology, gadgets, and clean water.
The administration was also tasked by the court with conducting a new survey of the State’s schools to determine whether these facilities are available and to take prompt steps to remedy the absence of drinking water within a two-week deadline. The court made it clear that the State government should act right away to fix any issues that were found during the survey.
In suo motu proceedings brought about to address alleged violations of children’s fundamental right to primary education, the court reached its conclusion after reviewing a report provided by the Amicus Curiae.
The court found a number of issues with the school’s physical infrastructure after analysing the photographs and reports that the education department authorities had submitted. The court made the observation that “it appears that an attempt is being made to indicate that toilet facilities are unavailable only in 38 schools, while drinking water is available in all schools,” underscoring the inadequacy of the facilities offered.
The current facilities, according to the court, were only rudimentary and didn’t fulfil the necessary criteria. In response to a photo that was included in the report, the court showed its horror by noting, “The photo, linked to the report, is shocking. It doesn’t say if the loo is for guys or girls. The toilet block is also in disrepair, with only the door and outer wall appearing to have recently undergone any significant aesthetic work.
Additionally, it was found that in one school, the attendant was required to carry water on their head for drinking and washing.
The court made a comment about this careless approach, encouraging attention and worry, and requested that the authorities refrain from defending such actions. “This is truly disheartening,” the court declared, expressing its profound sadness. We are at a loss for words to describe our pain.
In order to allow for the submission of a new survey report, the case was postponed for three months.
Written by- MD Arib khalique , College- Galgotia university, Semester-4th intern under Legal Vidhiya
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