CHENNAI: Uncertainty looms large over the future of hundreds of students of Don Bosco Matriculation High School in Vyasarpadi, after the Chennai Corporation sealed it on Friday following a direction from the Madras High Court. The development brought scores of anxious parents to the school campus, who were pacified by the police deployed there.
According to senior Corporation officials, a petition was filed in the High Court in 2012 seeking a directive to seal the school building as it was allegedly constructed by deviating from the original plan approved by the CMDA. “It violates section 56 (2A) of CMDA Act 1971. Until the deviated portion of the building is demolished or the direction is withdrawn, the building will remain sealed,” the officials said.
“My son and daughter are studying here in class X and IX. We have already paid first term fees of around `20,000 for both the kids. Most schools are scheduled to re-open on June 1 and even otherwise it is difficult to get admission. What are we to do in this last minute, where can we seek admission?” asked a distraught parent.
Malathi, another parent, whose son is in class VIII, said, “I have paid fee for the full year, but now there is no certainty if I get refund. I was told by one of the staff that the school will open on June 1 as announced. Hope it will be the case,” she added.
Police and school authorities assured parents who gathered that the school will re-open as announced. The school management could not be reached for comments.