NEW DELHI: Delhi government today took over two branches of a private unaided school, which faces complaints of violation of rules, following approval by Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung even as the process was halted by Delhi High Court later.
The action has been initiated against the Rohini and the Peetampura branches of Maxfort School following several complaints against it including violation of rules in admission to candidates from economically weaker sections (EWS), false records and misappropriation of funds, among others.
Directorate of Education (DoE) officials claimed that Jung had given his approval to the take over last night.
The school authorities, however, moved court which said "no precipitative action" is to be taken, effectively ordering status quo till the next hearing, on Monday.
Ordering a stay on any precipitative action, the court appointed a local commissioner to visit the school and to maintain records of the documents sought by the government regarding the institute's functioning.
"Lt Governor is satisfied that the managing committee of the school has neglected to perform the duties imposed on it under the Delhi School Education Act, 1973 and the rules made there under and failed to run the school in the best interest...needs immediate intervention and it is expedient in the interest of school education to take over the management of this school," the take-over order said.
The order further stated that over Rs 18 crore was "transferred" from the schools' account to the trust running the school and through that, to another.
The school, which has four branches in Delhi, is currently being run by Chadha Educational Society and S Jagat Singh Chadha Charitable Trust.
DoE had issued show cause notices to the two branches of the school in April this year asking the authorities to respond within days, however, the officials claimed that there response was not found to be satisfactory and they had objections to the school authorities' approach towards the issue.