Campus Times | Lucknow

A major relief came for nearly 250 students of Vidya Mandir Girls High School in Narhi as the institution reopened on Wednesday, six days after it was shut down following a tenancy dispute. The school’s gates were unlocked in the presence of Hazratganj Police, allowing students and teachers to return to the campus.

The development follows an order by the ADM Court, which directed authorities to restore possession of the school to its management in the interest of the students.

Earlier eviction triggered education crisis

The controversy began on June 4 when one party, acting on an earlier ADM Court order linked to a tenancy dispute, took possession of the premises. During the process, furniture, fans, documents and other school property were removed from the building in the presence of police personnel.

The closure raised concerns over the future of hundreds of students, prompting intervention from education officials, parents and teacher associations. The matter also drew the attention of the district administration, with the District Magistrate directing a special hearing.

Court puts its own order on hold

During a special hearing on June 8, the ADM Court heard submissions from the District Inspector of Schools (DIOS) and subsequently stayed its own April 21 order. The court then instructed authorities to restore the school premises to the management, citing the academic interests of the students.

Missing property, damage alleged

After regaining access to the campus, school manager Santosh Rastogi alleged that several items were missing and some property had been damaged.

According to him, fans, cupboards and important school documents that had been removed earlier were found lying in the open. He also claimed that furniture had been damaged, the school signboard was missing, and vandalism had taken place inside the principal’s office. Concerns regarding possible tampering with official documents were also raised before the police.

Police arrived after repeated requests

Despite the restoration order, the management claimed that police assistance did not arrive for nearly 24 hours. After waiting throughout Tuesday, school representatives and teachers returned disappointed.

Police personnel finally reached the site on Wednesday afternoon following repeated calls from the management. A locksmith was brought in to remove the locks installed by the opposing party, after which teachers and students were allowed to enter the premises.

Education ministry seeks report

The matter has now reached the Union Ministry of Education, which has sought a detailed report from the Directorate of Secondary Education regarding the dispute and the current status of the school.

Officials confirmed that the ministry has requested information through an official communication, indicating that the issue has attracted attention beyond the state level.

‘The school has been saved’

Reacting to the development, Dr R.P. Mishra, Pradeshik Upadhyaksh of the Madhyamik Shikshak Sangh, said sustained efforts by stakeholders helped save the institution.

He remarked that had the issue not been highlighted and pursued seriously, the girls’ school could have faced permanent closure, adversely affecting hundreds of students.