HC stays panel's order on withdrawing NOC for Baldwin

The High Court of Karnataka has stayed the state child rights commission’s order asking the Deputy Director of Public Instruction (South) to withdraw the non-objection certificates issued to three Baldwin Group schools.

The court ordered the stay until the next hearing.

The Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (KSCPCR) had also instructed the DDPI to inform the ICSE Board to cancel the affiliation of Baldwin Co-education Extension High School, Rajarajeshwari Nagar, Baldwin Girls High School and Baldwin Boys High School, both in Richmond Town. Withdrawal of NOC would mean the schools no longer have the permission to function.

Justice Aravind Kumar passed the interim order while hearing a petition from Baldwin group of institutions challenging the KSCPCR’s order. The court also issued notices to the respondents.

As an interim prayer, the institutions sought the quashing of the order and staying its operation. The KSCPCR passed the order after parents complained to the commission about the exorbitant fees the school is charging on textbooks.

The institution contended that the commission’s order contradicted the provisions of the Child Protection Act 2005 and is in violation of natural justice. As per the provisions of the act, the commission must issue a notice to the body concerned before the proceedings, the institution said, adding that the order was arbitrary and tarnishes its image.

The court adjourned the case until July 4.