In a significant relief for students of Islamic Global School, Padshahi Bagh, Srinagar, the Civil Judge (Senior Division), Srinagar, has directed the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) to allow 22 students of the school to appear in the upcoming Class 10 board examinations.
The order was issued in response to a petition filed by the school, represented by its manager Moied Manzoor, through Advocate Aquib Hussain Bhat, against the Union Territory of J&K and concerned education authorities. The petition sought a temporary injunction to ensure that the students, who had not been issued admit cards, were allowed to sit for their exams scheduled to commence on February 17, 2025.
During the hearing, counsels as per the news agency Kashmir News Trust representing various defendants, including JKBOSE and the Directorate of School Education Kashmir, were present.
A large number of affected students, accompanied by their parents, also attended the court proceedings, expressing urgency over the matter.
The school’s counsel argued that failure to grant relief would render the students ineligible for the examinations, defeating the purpose of the suit.
Supporting this argument, the counsel presented attested forms from the Principal of Government Boys Higher Secondary School, Natipora, confirming the students’ eligibility.
The counsel for the defendants inlcuding the Commissioner Secretary to School Education Department, Chief Education Officer, Srinagar, and Joint Director, Directorate of School Education Kashmir, did not oppose the relief sought, stating that both the Chief Education Officer, Srinagar, and the Principal of Government Boys Higher Secondary School, Natipora, had recommended the registration renewal of these students. However, representatives of JKBOSE contended that the school had been engaged in irregular admissions, leading to previous penalties.
After hearing the arguments, the court observed that a prima facie case existed in favor of the plaintiffs. The court noted that delaying the matter could jeopardize the academic careers of the students.
Consequently, the court directed JKBOSE to accept the registration renewal and examination forms of the 22 students and permit them to appear for all subjects in the 2024-25 Class 10 examination.
The court further ruled that the order would be subject to objections from the defendants, who may seek its modification or revocation before the next hearing scheduled for February 28, 2025.
Notably, the dispute arose after Board of School Education reportedly refused to issue admit cards to 22 students of the Islamic Global School, citing irregularities in their admission process. The school management challenged the decision, arguing that the students fulfilled all necessary academic requirements and should not suffer due to administrative lapses.
With the court’s directive, the students can now appear in the board exams while the case continues to be heard. [KNT]
