Madras HC restrains school from making lunch provided by it compulsory

CHENNAI: The Madras High Court has temporarily restrained a school in Kancheepuram district from making it mandatory for students to have lunch and snacks provided by the institution by paying necessary charges.

The court also ordered issuance of notices to Union HRD Ministry, CBSE and Hiranandani Upscale School in Kancheepuram district on the matter and posted the case for further hearing to September 29.

The order was issued by Justice M Sathyanarayan recently on a petition by Bharathi Rajendran against compelling the students to take lunch or snacks provided by the school by paying charges.

"Going through the materials provided, the court is of the view that the circular issued by the CBSE only mandates particular institution/school to inspect the lunch box (of students) to check bringing of unhealthy food, but not compelling the students to take lunch or snacks provided by the school by paying charges."

The order is valid till September 29, the judge said.

The petitioner's counsel submitted that the circular nowhere contemplates or permits the school to provide lunch, snacks to all the children in the school by charging for such services.

He submitted that the Hiranandani Upscale School has made it compulsory for all the students to have meals or snacks by paying necessary charges.