In a strong message, the Bombay High Court directed the Ministry of Defence not to hinder students’ access to education by keeping the gates of the Naval Civilian Housing Colony (NCHC) in Mumbai’s Kanjurmarg closed. This gate closure forces children to walk nearly 3 km to reach schools located inside the colony.
A division bench comprising Justices Revati Mohite-Dere and Dr Neela Gokhale stated that while the Defence can impose security restrictions, it must not obstruct schoolchildren. The judges emphasized that children, especially girls and differently-abled students, should not be deprived of education under the guise of security.
The court suggested issuing identity cards exclusively to school-going children, restricting public entry without compromising student access. “Put conditions, but don’t deny education,” Justice Mohite-Dere remarked.
The case arose after parents petitioned the court, highlighting that gate closures (specifically gates 4, 5, & 6) forced their children, mostly from economically weaker backgrounds, to walk long distances since they couldn’t afford rickshaws.
Naval officers argued the move stemmed from security concerns post-Pathankot attack, adding that surrounding slums are illegal. However, parents’ counsel Gayatri Singh pointed out that around 455 students dropped out due to this inconvenience. Officers countered, saying some students shifted schools.
Upon learning that one civic-run school shut down and another private school was in poor condition, the court insisted the authorities ensure the schools remain safe and functional.
The court granted three weeks for Defence officials to devise a practical solution.
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