Odisha: HC asks state government to take lawful decision on school reopening

By  Nalini Sahu

Bhubaneswar, Feb. 2: The High Court of Orissa has directed the Odisha government to take a ‘lawful’ decision in respect to reopening of schools which are presently shut in the state view of the prevailing Covid-19 situation.

A single bench of Justice Biswanath Rath passed the order on January 31 while hearing a writ petition regarding the reopening of schools. 

In her petition, the petitioner Ranjita Mohapatra had prayed to the Court to direct the State government to open the schools by maintaining the guideline for Covid-19 as early as possible. She also urged the Court to pass other orders it may deem fit and proper.

Taking up the matter for hearing via video conferencing mode, Justice Rath directed the state government to look into the grievance of the petitioner and take lawful action in the matter taking into account the grounds stated in the writ petition.

“The entire exercise shall be completed within a period of two months from the date of communication of an authenticated copy of this order along with a copy of the writ petition by the petitioner,” the bench said.

“As restrictions due to resurgence of Covid-19 situation are continuing, learned counsel for the parties may utilise a printout of the order available in the High Court’s website, at par with certified copy,” the bench added.