High Court of KeralaSingle JudgeExt.P20 set aside; petition allowed; Government...

Koothuparamba Educational Society (formerly Koothupparamba High School Society) v. State of Kerala & Others

Case / Petition Number:WP(C).No.7210 OF 2020(A)

Case Details & Bench

Court
High Court of Kerala
Hon'ble Judges
  • P.V. ASHA
Judgment Date
2020-08-13
Court Decision / Holding
Ext.P20 stands set aside. The court holds that the Kerala Education Act does not support taking over management via Ext.P20 and that no show-cause process or gazette-based emergency action was adopted. It directs that petitioners may approach educational authorities for approval, and that the 2nd respondent (DEO) shall pass orders on the requests of the petitioners for approval. The judgment clarifies that the Government may take lawful action in accordance with the law, and this decision will not impede the adjudication of civil suits already pending.
Final Disposition
Ext.P20 set aside; petition allowed; Government directed to act in accordance with law; petitioners may seek approval from educational authorities; civil suits not affected by this order.

Parties to the Case

Appellants / Petitioners

  • Kuthupparamba Educational Society (formerly Koothuparamba High School Society) represented by President Rajineeh Kakkoth (S/o Raghuvan)
  • Rajineesh Kakkoth
  • Vijayan C.
  • K. Balan Master
  • Achuthan A.P.

Respondents

  • State of Kerala, represented by Secretary to Government, Department of General Educational, Govt. of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram - 695001
  • District Educational Officer, Thalassery-670101, Kannur District, Kerala
  • Addl.R3. Sathyan Naravoor, aged 59 years, S/o Krishnan, Souparnika, Naravoor, Kuthupparamba, Kannur-670643

Legal Representation & Advocates

Counsels for Petitioners

  • • Sri. T. Asafali
  • • Smt. Laliza T. Y.

Counsels for Respondents

  • • Government Pleader
  • • Kaleeswaram Raj, Adv.
  • • Kum. Thulasi K. Raj, Adv.

Case Synopsis & Summary

This is a writ petition filed in the Kerala High Court by Koothuparamba Educational Society (formerly Koothupparamba High School Society) along with four elected office-bearers challenging Ext.P20, a Government order that entrusted the management of Koothuparamba High School to the District Educational Officer (DEO) on grounds of mismanagement. The petition contends that the previous Managing Committee’s term expired in 2018, elections were conducted under the supervision of an Advocate Commissioner, and the society’s officers have been functioning since 2019 under contested governance. Petitioners argue that Ext.P20 lacks any statutory basis under the Kerala Education Act or Rules, was passed without opportunity of hearing, and effectively centralizes control without due process. They assert that any assessment of mismanagement and asset protection should be adjudicated in civil suits, not via an interim management shift. The Government counters that Ext.P20 followed due procedure, was based on a detailed report, and was necessary to ensure protection of assets and ongoing school functioning, citing public interest and interim administration. The Court ultimately finds that Ext.P20 has no lawful basis under the Kerala Education Act, notes the absence of a hearing, and holds that Section 14 cannot justify such interim arrangements. Ext.P20 is set aside; petitioners may seek approval from educational authorities, and the Government may act lawfully without obstructing civil proceedings.

Provisions of Law Cited

Kerala Education Act, Section 14Kerala Education Act, Section 7Kerala Education Act, Chapter III

Legal Doctrines & Maxims

  • Principles of natural justice (audi alteram partem)
  • Public interest doctrine

Submissions & Arguments

Contentions of Appellants / Petitioners

The petitioners contend that Ext.P20 was issued without notice or hearing to the Management or educational agency and that there is no express provision in the Kerala Education Act (KER) authorizing an interim take-over of management. They submit that Section 14 permits taking over management only after due process and only when necessary in public interest, and that such action must be preceded by a show-cause notice. They assert the Manager in question was not in office at the relevant time and that the bylaw amendments and elections are the subject of civil suits pending before the Munsiff Court. The petition argues that even if assets are at risk, any protective steps must follow established statutory procedures; Ext.P20 bypasses these safeguards and cannot be sustained under KER.

Contentions of Respondents

The respondents contend Ext.P20 was issued after due consideration, following a hearing on 01.12.2018 and a comprehensive report from the Director of General Education, with DEO and other authorities involved. They argue the Government has a duty to protect assets of an aided school and to ensure smooth functioning, particularly where allegations of mismanagement and malpractices exist. They maintain that interim administration by the DEO is a public-interest measure to prevent disruption to 3,000 students and the school’s 33 acres of property, and that the petitioners should pursue remedies within the statutory framework rather than obstructing administration.

Cited Precedents (3)

Case NameCitationTreatmentExplanation
Abdurahiman v. State1978 KLT 275PositiveCited to support the proposition that invoking Section 14 requires more than public interest; there must be due process, including potential show-cause procedures before taking over management.
Subramanian v. State of Kerala and Others1986 KLT 359PositiveCited for the principle that intervention under Section 14 requires careful consideration of procedures and due process.
Parent Teacher Association v. State of Kerala2000(1)KLT 804; 2000 KHC 156PositiveCited to emphasize that invocation of Section 14 must follow due process and is not to be used where other provisions are adequate; requires show-cause and proper procedure.

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Extracted Judgment Text

Exact text extracted from official judgment records.

WP(C).No.7210 OF 2020(A) 1 ## **IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM** ## **PRESENT** **THE HONOURABLE SMT. JUSTICE P.V.ASHA** **THURSDAY, THE 13TH DAY OF AUGUST 2020 / 22ND SRAVANA, 1942** ## **WP(C).No.7210 OF 2020(A)** ## **PETITIONER/S:** |**1**|**KUTHUPARAMBA EDUCATIONAL SOCIETY,**| |---|---| ||**(FORMERLY KNOWN AS KOOTHUPARAMBA HIGH SCHOOL**| ||**SOCIETY REGISTERED VIDE NO.3/1944), REP. BY ITS**| ||**PRESIDENT RAJINEEH KAKKOTH, S/O.RAGHAVAN, POST**| ||**KUTHUPARAMBA-670643, KANNUR DISTRICT, KERALA.**| |**2**|**RAJINEESH KAKKOTH**| ||**AGED 39 YEARS**| ||**S/O.RAGHAVAN, MELERI HOUSE, PRESIDENT, KUTHUPARAMBA**| ||**EDUCATIONAL SOCIETY, (FORMERLY KNOWN AS**| ||**KOOTHUPARAMBA HIGH SCHOOL SOCIETY REGISTERED VIDE**| ||**NO.3/1944), RESIDING AT MELERI VEEDU, PANNOYORA,**| ||**POST KUTHUPARAMBA-670643.**| |**3**|**VIJAYAN.C.**| ||**AGED 64 YEARS**| ||**S/O.PAITHAL, VICE PRESIDENT, KUTHUPARAMBA**| ||**EDUCATIONAL SOCIETY, (FORMERLY KNOWN AS**| ||**KOOTHUPARAMBA HIGH SCHOOL SOCIETY REGISTERED VIDE**| ||**NO.3/1944), RESIDING AT JUBIES, PALLOOR, NALUTHARA**| ||**POST, MAHE-673310.**| |**4**|**K.BALAN MASTER,**| ||**S/O.KUNJIKANNAN NAMBYAR, SECRETARY-CUM-MANAGER,**| ||**KUTHUPARAMBA EDUCATIONAL SOCIETY (FORMERLY KNOWN AS**| ||**KUTHUPARAMBA HIGH SCHOOL SOCIETY REGISTERED VIDE**| ||**NO.3/1944), RESIDING AT 'POURNAMI' POST PINARAYI-**| ||**670741, KANNUR DISTRICT, KERALA.**| |**5**|**ACHUTHAN.A.P.**| ||**AGED 82 YEARS**| ||**S/O.KUNHIKANNAN, TREASURER, KUTHUPARAMBA**| ||**EDUCATIONAL SOCIETY (FORMERLY KNOWN AS**| ||**KOOTHUPARAMBA HIGH SCHOOL SOCIETY (REGISTERED) VIDE**| ||**NO.3/1944), RESIDING AT RAJITHALAYAM, MOORIYAD,**| ||**POST KUTHUPARAMBA-670643, KANNUR DISTRICT KERALA.**| WP(C).No.7210 OF 2020(A) 2 **BY ADVS. SRI.T.ASAFALI SMT.LALIZA.T.Y.** ## **RESPONDENT/S:** - **1 STATE OF KERALA, REPRESENTED BY SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT, DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL EDUCATIONAL, GOVT. OF KERALA, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - 695001.** - **2 THE DISTRICT EDUCATIONAL OFFICER, THALASSERY-670101, KANNUR DISTRICT, KERALA.** - **3 ADDL.R3.SATHYAN NARAVOOR AGED 59 YEARS S/O.KRISHNAN, 'SOUPARNIKA, NARAVOOR, KUTHUPARAMBA, KANNUR-670 643** **IPLEADED AS PER ORDER DATED 09-07-2020 IN IA NO. 4/2020.** **R1-2 BY GOVERNMENT PLEADER R3 BY ADV. KALEESWARAM RAJ R3 BY ADV. KUM.THULASI K. RAJ** ## **OTHER PRESENT:** ## **SRGP.SRI.ARAVINDA KUMAR BABU** **THIS WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) HAVING BEEN FINALLY HEARD ON 13.08.2020, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:** WP(C).No.7210 OF 2020(A) 3 ## **JUDGMENT** Dated this the 13[th] day of August 2020 The writ petition is filed by Koothuparamba Educational Society along with four others, who claim to have been elected to the Managing Committee of the Society. They are challenging Ext.P20 order passed by Government by which the management of the Koothuparamba High school has been entrusted with the District Educational Officer on the ground that the management under the Society cannot legally look after the functioning of the school. 2. Petitioners have stated that the term of the previous Managing Committee expired on 31.12.2018. The Munsiff Court, Koothuparamba had by Ext.P2 order dated 10.12.2018 in O.S.No.411/2018 appointed one Sri.T.Purushothaman as Advocate Commissioner to conduct and supervise the meeting of the governing body, in connection with the election proposed to be held on 31.12.2018. It is stated that various Original Suits and interlocutory applications were filed before the courts at Koothuparamba, Thalasseri, etc and even before this Court in connection with conduct of the election; the election could be conducted on 28.09.2019 under the supervision of Advocate Commissioner appointed by the Munsiff Court Koothuparamba. It is stated that out of the 21 members elected to the managing WP(C).No.7210 OF 2020(A) 4 committee, petitioners 2 to 5 were elected as President, Vice President, Secretary cum Manager and Treasurer respectively. According to them the newly elected managing committee has been functioning since then and there is no order restraining them though O.S.No.411 of 2018 and O.S.No.75 of 2019 filed before the election are pending before the Munsiff Court, Koothuparamba. As per the byelaws the Secretary is to be the Manager; but the request for approval of the Secretary to function as the Manager was declined as per Ext.P16 order of the DEO in the light of Ext.P11 order dated 26.09.2019 in W.P.(C) No.25784/2019 filed by the additional 3[rd] respondent. As per that order this Court while allowing the election to go on, had directed that the Manager shall not be approved without permission from this Court and the DEO shall continue to function as the Manager until further orders. The said Writ Petition was closed as per Ext.P21 judgment dated 13.02.2020, taking note of Ext.P20 order and giving liberty to the 1[st] petitioner herein who was the 5[th] respondent therein to work out its remedies. Petitioners submit that there is no order from any court restraining their functioning based on the election held on 28.09.2019 and the Advocate Commissioner had filed Ext.P13 and Ext.P14 final report dated 30.11.2019 before the Munsiff Court Koothuparamba. According to them when a newly elected committee is in power there is no reason for entrusting the management of the School with the DEO and Ext.P20 order is liable to set aside. WP(C).No.7210 OF 2020(A) 5 3. Government has issued Ext.P20 order pursuant to Ext.P9 complaint submitted by the additional 3[rd] respondent who raised various allegations against Sri.R.K.Raghavan, who had been functioning as the Secretary of Koothuparamba Educational Society and Manager of the School since the year 2000. Additional 3[rd] respondent approached this Court in W.P.(C) No.11217/2018 and as per Ext.P10 judgment dated 13.09.2018, this Court had directed the Government to consider and pass orders on the representation submitted by the petitioner. Ext.P20 order was passed after hearing the additional 3[rd] respondent and after calling for report from the Educational Authorities. 4. In Ext.P20, the Government has stated that pursuant to Ext.P10 judgment the additional 3[rd] respondent who was the petitioner therein, respondents 4 to 6 therein and representatives of the Director of General Education and that of DEO, Koothuparamba were heard on 01.12.2018. Thereafter a comprehensive report in the matter was called for from the Director of General Education. It was stated that as per the report of the Director, the Secretary of Koothuparamba Educational Society is to be the Manager of the school as per the byelaw; Sri.R.K.Raghavan who was elected as the Secretary of the Society has been functioning as the Manager of the School since 01.01.2000 for about 19 years, whereas the term of the Secretary, as per the byelaw is only three years; byelaw was amended during his tenure extending the term of Secretary WP(C).No.7210 OF 2020(A) 6 initially to 5 years and thereafter to 7 years and would have got extension of approval as Manager also; Sri.Raghavan might have influenced the District Registrar and officers of the Education Department; all the files relating to the approval granted for amended byelaws or extension of approval could not be traced out from the offices of the Deputy Director, Kannur or DEO, Koothuparamba; the additional 3[rd] respondent has alleged malpractices and manipulations committed by Sri.Raghavan in connection with the election, amendment of byelaw and the accounts, etc; the list of office bearers are not filed before the District Registrar properly and therefore an enquiry through Vigilance and Anti Corruption Bureau has to be conducted; Sri.Raghavan did not take any steps to convene the annual general body meetings. It was stated that Reghavan did not attend or cooperate with the enquiry conducted on 29.10.2019 at Koothuparamba School on the ground that he ceased to be a Manager. It was stated that in his place Sri.Balan Master has been elected as the Secretary on 28.09.2019, though he is not granted approval as Manager. It was stated that the enquiry team came to know that some portion of the properties of the Society is in possession of strangers; but even on receipt of complaints Sri.Raghavan who was the Manager or Sri.Balan Master who was the President did not take any action to protect the property of the society. It was stated that there are 3000 children studying in the School and the society which was formed for the benefit of WP(C).No.7210 OF 2020(A) 7 the pupils was not protecting the 33 acres of its property; it was reported that the DEO has to be put in charge of the administration of the school till the society starts functioning properly; assets of the society is to be utilised for the benefit of the students. 5. On the basis of the said report Government found that there is serious lapses in the functioning of the society and in the administration of the school; being a society registered under the Charitable Societies Act and the School is an aided School, it is a public property and therefore Government has a duty to protect its assets. Government ordered proceedings through vigilance/police stating that it involves criminal acts like, corruption, maladministration, etc. Government entrusted the District Registrar to take action on the lapses occurred on the part of society, based on the report of the Director; and to take action through Vigilance/Police if necessary; Stating that certain assets of the school were dispossessed, the Deputy Director of Education was directed to take steps for the scrutiny of the necessary records and documents with the help of revenue authorities and to recover the possession of the properties of the school and to submit action taken report. Government found that the existing managing committee of the society would not be able to administer the school in accordance with law and therefore the DEO shall continue to function as the Manager of the School in public interest. WP(C).No.7210 OF 2020(A) 8 6. The contention of the petitioners is that none of the members of the managing committee of the society was heard before passing Ext.P20 order. All the allegations are against the former Secretary cum Manager. It is also pointed out that Ext.P20 decision is not supported by any of the provisions contained in the Kerala Education Act or Rules. According to the petitioners provisions under section 14(1) or 15 of the Kerala Education Act which permits the Government to take over the School cannot be invoked except in accordance with the procedure therein and such power is not invoked. It is also pointed out that the Manager against whom the complaint was raised was not in office at the relevant time. 7. In the statement filed by the Government it is stated that the additional 3[rd] respondent who was a member of the society filed WP(C) No.11217/2018 before this Court. Ext.P20 order was passed in compliance with the direction contained in the judgment dated 13.09.2018. It is stated that the allegation in the complaint was that the 5[th] respondent was managing the Koothuparamba High School in a corruptive manner and was continuing as the Manager through illegal means. It is stated that in that Writ Petition it was also alleged that the 5[th] respondent had fabricated the records and extended his term in the office unlawfully and he was not maintaining proper accounts of the school or the society and he was reluctant to convene the General Body of the society for many years. It is stated that WP(C).No.7210 OF 2020(A) 9 Government passed the order after hearing the Director of Public Instructions and District Educational Officer, Koothuparamba, the petitioner and the representatives of the respondents 3 to 6 in the writ petition filed by additional 3[rd] respondent. It is stated that based on the facts put forth during the hearing and other reports, Government had issued Ext.P20 order whereby the Government had decided to entrust the management of the school with the District Educational Officer for its administration as an interim arrangement. It is stated that additional 3[rd] respondent has again submitted representation before the Government with a request to make further detailed enquiries on appointment of the Manager of the School and connected issues. As a follow up measure Government has issued Ext.R1(a) letter instructing the Director of General Education to furnish the action taken report on the basis of the instruction contained in the Government order dated 06.02.2020. It is stated that the Government had issued Ext.R1(b) letter dated 06.07.2020 directing the DEO to carry out essential maintenance work to the school after getting permission from this Court. It is stated that the Government vide U.O.Note dated 24.07.2020 asked the Revenue Department to make a detailed enquiry through District Collector, Kannur and further vide U.O.Note dated 24.07.2020 had asked the Taxes Department to make a detailed enquiry through District Registrar, Kannur in the matter covering all aspects with regard to the society and to furnish a detailed WP(C).No.7210 OF 2020(A) 10 report. It is stated that in such circumstances if any orders are passed by this Court permitting the petitioners to take charge of the affairs of the society and the school that would adversely affect the enquiry which is ordered by the Government. It is stated that all the necessary steps required for reopening can be done by the District Educational Officer and also ensured that the academic function of the school will not be affected due to the present dispute pending before this Court. 8. In the counter affidavit filed by the additional 3[rd] respondent it is stated that the election in which petitioners 2 to 5 have claimed to have been elected and taken charge as office bearers of the society is illegal; the term of the governing body was limited to a period of 5 years; election proceedings were initiated to elect governing body members for a term of 7 years. It is stated that the election conducted was for a period of 6 years whereas the term of the governing body as per Ext.R3(a) was only 5 years. It is also stated that additional 3[rd] respondent has filed O.S.No.395/2019 challenging the said election and that the same is pending. The 3[rd] respondent has also explained the Interlocutory Applications filed before the Munsiff Court, Koothuparamba. It is also stated that as alleged by the petitioners they do not have any authority to run the society. It is also stated that the additional 3[rd] respondent has filed O.S.No.108/2019 before the Munsiff's Court, Koothuparamba for declaration that he is WP(C).No.7210 OF 2020(A) 11 entitled to exercise one vote in the election and OP(C) No.1976/2019 was filed before this Court seeking to consider I.A.No.543/2019 and I.A.No.544/2019 in O.S.No.108/2019 along with I.A.No.16/2019 in O.S.No.5/2019 pending before the Munsiff Court, Kuthupramba and another OP(C) No.2093/2019 has been filed for disposal of the IAs filed by the petitioner in O.S.No.5/2019 and O.S. No.108/2019. It is also stated that OP(C) No.1976/2019 was closed as infructuous and OP(C) No.2093/2019 was withdrawn. The 3[rd] respondent has also stated that CMA No.14/2019 was filed challenging the order dated 30.07.2019 in I.A.No.16/2019 and I.A.17/2019 in O.S.5/2019 which was dismissed as per judgment dated 19.09.2019. The contention of the 3[rd] respondent is that as per Rule 3 of Chapter III of KER, management of a school is bound by the actions of the Manager. The additional 3[rd] respondent has further stated that Sri.R.K.Raghavan has put in office beyond the term of the governing body. Sri.Raghavan continued as the Manager of the school illegally and misappropriated huge amount. Many properties of the school were lost due to his mismanagement; the 3[rd] respondent had produced Ext.R3(i) hearing note before the Government along with the relevant documents in respect of it. It is also stated that in WP(C) No.42659/2019, the District Registrar(General), Kannur has filed statement before this court stating that the petitioner society has not furnished list of governing body members and therefore application for amendment of bylaw was not available WP(C).No.7210 OF 2020(A) 12 and therefore the amendment is inoperative. The 3[rd] respondent has pointed out that various irregularities were committed in the functioning of the society. According to the 3[rd] respondent previous Manager has already sold two buses for lacks of rupees illegally and therefore it is not safe to permit the petitioners to manage the school and handing over the school by petitioners will result alienation of school properties and misappropriation of the funds of the school. 9. Heard Sri.Asif Ali, the learned counsel for the petitioners, Sri. Kaleeswaram Raj, learned Counsel for the additional 3[rd] respondent and Sri.Aravind Kumar Babu, learned Government Pleader. 10. On consideration of the contentions, it is seen that petitioners 2 to 5 were not given any opportunity of hearing before Ext.P20 order was passed. The 2[nd] respondent has in his report stated that the election was conducted on 02.09.2019 and the former Manager against whom the complaint was made ceased to be in office. There is no order interdicting the functioning of the managing committee of the society. The only order was against approval of Manager, which is not in force as at present. The School is run by the society. Therefore Ext.P20 order without hearing the petitioners is in gross violation of the principles of natural justice. 11. If at all any assets are seen dispossessed or alienated a decision ought to have been taken after affording an WP(C).No.7210 OF 2020(A) 13 opportunity of hearing to those who are in power. There cannot be any doubt over the fact that the society as well as the Manager are supposed to protect the assets and not utilised for personal gains. 12. Ext.P20 order does not state under which provision it is issued. However while allowing the DEO to continue in office public interest is vitiated. But it is seen that such a conclusion is arrived at, behind the back of those who are managing the society. 13. Ext.P20 is not preceded by any show cause notice either to the Manager or to the educational agency, for taking over the School or even for proceeding against the Manager for any action under Section 7 or in Chapter III for any of the duties he failed to perform. The provision dealing with taking over of the management is under Section 14 of the Kerala Education Act, which reads as follows: ## _**“14. Taking over management of schools:-**_ _(1) Whenever it appears to the Government that the Manager of any aided school has neglected to perform any of the duties imposed by or under this Act or the rules made thereunder, and that in the public interest it is necessary to take over the management of the school for a period not exceeding five years, they may, after giving the Manager and the educational agency, if any, a reasonable opportunity for showing cause against the proposed action and after considering the cause, if any, shown do so, if satisfied that such taking over for the period is necessary in the public interest._ _(2) In cases of emergency, where the Government are satisfied that such a course is necessary in the interests of the pupils of the school, they may, without any notice under sub-s. (1) to the Manager or the educational agency, take over the management of any school after the publication of a notification to that effect in the Gazette._ WP(C).No.7210 OF 2020(A) 14 _(3) Where any school has been taken over under sub-s. (2) the educational agency or the Manager of the school within three months of the publication of the notification under the said sub-section, may apply to the Government for the restoration of the school showing the cause therefor, and where the Government are satisfied of the cause so shown, they shall restore the school._ _(4) The Government may also make such further orders as may appear to them to be necessary or expedient in connection with the taking over of the management of any aided school under this section._ _(5) Where any school is taken over under this section, the Government shall pay to the person or persons interested such rent as may be fixed by the Collector, having regard to the rates of rent prevailing in the locality for similar properties._ _Provided that where any property has been acquired, constructed, improved or maintained for the purposes of the school with the aid given or by appropriation or diversion of any grant made by the Government the rent shall be fixed by the Collector after taking into account the amount of such aid or grant._ _(6) Where any school is taken over under this Section, the Government may run the school affording any special educational facilities which the school was affording immediately before such taking over._ _(7) Any person aggrieved by an order of the Collector fixing the rent under sub-s. (5) may, in the prescribed manner appeal to the District Court within whose jurisdiction the school is situated within sixty days from the date of the order and the decision of the Judge shall be final._ _(8) It shall also be lawful for the Government to acquire the school taken over under this section, if they are satisfied that it is necessary so to do in the public interest in which case compensation shall be payable in accordance with the principles laid down in S. 15 for payment of compensation._ _(9) Nothing in this section shall apply to minority schools.”_ No provision is seen in Section 14 for an interim arrangement pending action under Section 14. 14. As pointed by Sri.Asif Ali, learned Counsel for the petitioner, relying on the judgment of this Court in _**Abdurahiman vs. State : 1978 KLT 275 : 1978 KHC 68, Subramanian**_ _**vs. State of Kerala and others : 1986 KLT 359: 1986 KHC 95,**_ WP(C).No.7210 OF 2020(A) 15 ## _**Parent Teacher Association vs. State of Kerala :2000(1)KLT 804:**_ _**2000 KHC 156,**_ in order to invoke section 14 of the Act and take over the management of an aided school, public interest alone is not enough. Neglect on the part of the Manager to perform any of the duties under the Act or the KER is also necessary and any such action shall precede with a show cause notice specifically stating the reasons for invoking Section 14 of the Act. It is also held that Section 14 has to be invoked only in cases where action under other provisions are not sufficient. In this case no such show cause notice is seen to have been issued. There is no gazette publication also, if it was a matter of emergency. 15. The allegation raised by the additional 3[rd] respondent relating to the election or the amendment of bye-laws or relating to the accounts of the society are matters for adjudication by a civil court. 16. Therefore, I find that the provisions under the KER do not support an order like Ext.P20. Section 14 of the KER does not provide for entrusting the school to the DEO pending an investigation as stated in Ext.P20. Of course it would be necessary to take all measures to protect the assets of the Society and the school, in accordance with rules, in case those in power, who are duty bound to protect the same are unable to do the same. In the above circumstances, Ext.P20 shall stand set aside. It will be open to the petitioners to approach the educational WP(C).No.7210 OF 2020(A) 16 authorities for approval. In that event the 2[nd] respondent shall pass orders on the request made by the 4[th] petitioner or first petitioner society. This judgment will not stand in the way of the Government in taking any action in accordance with law. This will also not in any manner affect the adjudication of the civil suits. ## **Sd/-** **P.V.ASHA** rkc **JUDGE** WP(C).No.7210 OF 2020(A) 17 ## **APPENDIX** ## **PETITIONER'S/S EXHIBITS:** **EXHIBIT P1 TRUE COPY OF THE MEMORANDUM OF ASSOCIATION AND RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE 1ST PETITIONER SOCIETY.** **EXHIBIT P2 TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER DATED 10TH DECEMBER 2018 MADE IN COMMON ORDER IN I.A.NOS.2420/2018, 2421/2018 IN OS.411/2018 OF THE HON'BLE COURT OF MUNSIFF, KOOTUPARAMBA.** **EXHIBIT P3 A TRUE COPY OF THE INTERIM REPORT FILED BY THE ADVOCATE COMMISSIONER DATED 1.1.2019 IN THE COURT OF MUNSIFF, KUTHUPARAMBA.** **EXHIBIT P3(A) A TRUE COPY OF THE ENGLISH TRANSLATION EXHIBIT P3. EXHIBIT P4 TRUE COPY OF THE COMMON ORDER DATED 30TH JULY 2019 MADE IN I.A.NO.16/2019 AND IN I.A.NO.17/2019 IN OS.5/2019 OF THE COURT OF MUNSIFF, KUTHUPARAMBA. EXHIBIT P5 TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER DATED 19TH SEPTEMBER 2019 MADE IN CMA.14/2019 ON THE FILE OF THE SUBORDINATE COURT, THALASSERY.** - **EXHIBIT P6 TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT DATED 25TH MARCH 2019 MADE IN WPC.3821/2019 OF HON'BLE HIGH COURT OF KERALA.** - **EXHIBIT P7 TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER DATED 19TH SEPTEMBER 2019 MADE IN I.A.1345/2019 IN OS.75/2019 OF THE HON'BLE SUBORDINATE COURT, THALASSERRY.** - **EXHIBIT P8 TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT DATED 20TH AUGUST 2019 MADE IN WPC.21958/2019 OF THE HON'BLE HIGH COURT OF KERALA.** - **EXHIBIT P9 TRUE COPY OF THE REPRESENTATION DATED 8TH FEBRUARY 2018 GIVEN BY ONE SATHYAN NARAVOOR TO THE 1ST RESPONDENT.** **EXHIBIT P9(A) TRUE ENGLISH VERSION OF EXHIBIT P9 REPRESENTATION.** WP(C).No.7210 OF 2020(A) 18 **EXHIBIT P9(B) PROCEEDINGS OF THE 1ST RESPONDENT ON EXHIBIT P9 REPRESENTATION. EXHIBIT P9(C) TRUE ENGLISH VERSION OF EXHIBIT P9(B) EXHIBIT P10 TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT DATED 13TH SEPTEMBER 2018 MADE IN WPC.11217/2018 OF THE HON'BLE HIGH COURT OF KERALA. EXHIBIT P11 TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER DATED 26TH SEPTEMBER 2019 IN WPC.25784/2019 OF HON'BLE HIGH COURT OF KERALA. EXHIBIT P12 TRUE COPY OF THE PUBLIC NOTICE DATED 19TH SEPTEMBER 2019 ISSUED BY THE RETURNING OFFICER. EXHIBIT P12(A) TRUE COPY OF THE ENGLISH TRANSLATION OF EXHIBIT P12. EXHIBIT P13 TRUE COPY OF THE REPORT DATED 28TH SEPTEMBER 2019 FILED BY THE RETURNING OFFICER. EXHIBIT P13(A) TRUE COPY OF THE ENGLISH TRANSLATION OF EXHIBIT P13. EXHIBIT P14 TRUE COPY OF THE REPORT OF THE ADVOCATE COMMISSIONER DATED 30TH NOVEMBER 2019 FILED BEFORE THE COURT OF MUNSIFF, KUTHUPARAMBA. EXHIBIT P14(A) TRUE COPY OF THE ENGLISH TRANSLATION OF THE EXHIBIT P14. EXHIBIT P15 TRUE COPY OF THE LETTER DATED 18TH OCTOBER 2019 ADDRESSED TO THE 2ND RESPONDENT BY THE 4TH PETITIONER. EXHIBIT P15(A) TRUE COPY OF THE ENGLISH TRANSLATION OF EXHIBIT P15. EXHIBIT P16 TRUE COPY OF THE LETTER DATED 10TH DECEMBER 2019 VIDE NO.B6/5911/19 ISSUED BY THE 2ND RESPONDENT TO THE 4TH PETITIONER. EXHIBIT P16(A) TRUE COPY OF THE ENGLISH TRANSLATION OF EXHIBIT P16. EXHIBIT P17 TRUE COPY OF THE NOTICE DATED 17TH** WP(C).No.7210 OF 2020(A) 19 **SEPTEMBER 2019 ISSUD BY THE SECRETARY, KUTHUPARAMBA MUNICIPALITY. EXHIBIT P17(A) TRUE COPY OF THE ENGLISH TRANSLATION OF EXHIBIT P17. EXHIBIT P18 TRUE COPY OF THE NOTICE DATED 29.1.2019 VIDE NO.EM/(4)/27780/2018/DGE ISSUED BY JOINT COMMISSIONER, PAREEKSHA BHAWAN, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM TO THE 4TH PETITIONER. EXHIBIT P18(A) TRUE COPY OF THE ENGLISH TRANSLATION OF EXHIBIT P18. EXHIBIT P19 TRUE COPY OF THE STATEMENT DATED 2ND NOVEMBER 2019 FILED BY THE 4TH PETITIONER. EXHIBIT P19(A) A TRUE COPY OF THE ENGLISH VERSION OF EXHIBIT P19. EXHIBIT P20 TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER DATED 6TH FEBRUARY 2020 NO.GO(GEN)NO.668/2020 GEN. EDN. DEP ISSUED BY THE 1ST RESPONDENT. EXHIBIT P20 TRUE ENGLISH VERSION OF EXHIBIT P20. EXHIBIT P21 TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT DATED 13TH FEBRUARY 2020 MADE IN THE WRIT PETITION NO.25784 OF 2019 BY THE HON'BLE HIGH COURT OF KERALA. EXHIBIT P22 TRUE COPY OF THE NOTICE VIDE NO.E1-BA168/19-20 DATED 12/03/2020 ISSUED BY MUNCIPAL SECRETARY, KUTHUPAPRAMBA TO THE 4TH PETITIONEER TO RE-PRESENT THE PLAN OF THE KUTHUPARAMBA HSS BUILDING AFTER RECTIFYING THE DEFECTS NOTED. EXHIBIT P23 TRUE COPY OF THE CIRCULAR VIDE NO.R & R (1)90070/2020 DGE DATED 05/05/2020 ISSUED BY DIRECTOR PUBLIC INSTRUCTION. RESPONDENT'S/S EXHIBITS: EXHIBIT R3(A) TRUE COPY OF THE MOTION DATED 14.10.2018. EXHIBIT R3(B) TRUE COPY OF THE COMMUNICATION ISSUED BY SRI.R.K. RAGHAVAN TO THE DISTRICT REGISTRAR.** WP(C).No.7210 OF 2020(A) 20 |**EXHIBIT R3(C)**|**TRUE COPY OF THE EXISTING AND AMENDED BYE-**| |---|---| ||**LAWS SUBMITTED TO THE DISTRICT REGISTRAR AS**| ||**PER LETTER DATED 15.11.2018 BY THE 1ST**| ||**RESPONDENT SOCIETY.**| |**EXHIBIT R3(D)**|**TRUE COPY OF I.A.NO.1895/19 IN OS.NO.395/19**| ||**MUNSIFF COURT, KUTHUPARAMBA.**| |**EXHIBIT R3(E)**|**TRUE**<br>**COPY**<br>**OF**<br>**THE**<br>**AFFIDAVIT**<br>**IN**| ||**I.A.NO.1896/2019 IN O.S.NO.395/19 MUNSIFF**| ||**COURT, KUTHUPARAMBA.**| |**EXHIBIT R3(F)**|**TRUE**<br>**COPY**<br>**OF**<br>**THE**<br>**AFFIDAVIT**<br>**IN**| ||**I.A.NO.1897/2019 IN OS NO.395/19 MUNSIFF**| ||**COURT, KUTHUPARAMBA.**| |**EXHIBIT R3(G)**|**TRUE COPY OF I.A.NO.1898/2019 OS NO.395/19**| ||**MUNSIFF COURT, KUTHUPARAMBA.**| |**EXHIBIT R3(H)**|**TRUE COPY OF THE COMMUNICATION DATED**| ||**19.01.1994 ISSUED BY THE SECRETARY OF THE**| ||**KUTHUPARAMBA HIGH SCHOOL SOCIETY TO THE**| ||**DEO.**| |**EXHIBIT R3(I)**|**TRUE COPY OF THE COMMUNICATION DATED**| ||**01.01.1997 ISSUED TO THE DISTRICT**| ||**REGISTRAR.**| |**EXHIBIT R3(J)**|**TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER NO.B6/5598/09/K.DIS**| ||**DATED 04.01.2010 ISSUED BY THE 3RD**| ||**RESPONDENT.**| |**EXHIBIT R3(K)**|**TRUE COPY OF THE COMMUNICATION DATED**| ||**12.12.2002.**| |**EXHIBIT R3(L)**|**TRUE COPY OF THE HEARING NOTE WITHOUT**| ||**DOCUMENTS.**| |**EXHIBIT R3(M)**|**TRUE COPY OF THE STATEMENT FILED BY THE**| ||**DISTRICT REGISTRAR (GENERAL) KANNUR IN**| ||**WP(C) 42659/2018.**| |**EXHIBIT R3(N)**|**TRUE COPY OF THE REPRESENTATION DATED**| ||**28.07.2020 FILED BY MR.A.P.PURUSHOTHAMAN**| ||**BEFORE THE 2ND RESPONDENT.**| |**EXHIBIT R3(O)**|**TRUE COPY OF THE LETTER NO.GEDN-F2/31/2020-**| ||**G.EDN DATED 06.07.2020.**| |**EXHIBIT R3(P)**|**TRUE COPY OF THE GEDN-F2/31/2020-G.EDN**| WP(C).No.7210 OF 2020(A) 21 **DATED 29.6.2020 ISSUED TO THE DIRECTOR OF GENERAL EDUCATION, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM BY THE 1ST RESPONDENT.** **ANNEXURE R1A: TRUE COPY OF THE LETTER NO.G.EDN-F2/31/2020/G.EDN DT.29.6.20** **ANNEXURE R1B: TRUE COPY OF THE LETTER NO.G.EDN-F2/31/2020/G.EDN DT.6.7.20**