The Madras High Court Bench here on Friday expressed concern over a majority of parents and schools pressurising children, especially those appearing for public examinations, to attend special classes even during vacations and weekends.
However, the First Division Bench of Chief Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice S. Manikumar refused to pass an order restraining the schools from conducting special classes since the PIL petitioner was an advocate and not an educationist nor a child psychologist.
Disposing of the PIL petition filed by Arun alias Arunachalam, the Bench said that a blanket order could not be issued when the petitioner had not produced any data to prove his claim of children suffering from mental stress due to the special classes conducted by schools.
Further stating that the schools were only fulfilling the needs of overzealous parents who want to achieve their aspirations through their children, the Chief Justice said that it was a social issue which could not be addressed through court orders.
He also said that the Arts stream had suffered the maximum damage in the race among parents who want to see their wards as doctors and engineers.
The court could only hope that the parents and schools realise the importance of giving a break to their children, he added.
But refuses to restrain schools from conducting special classes
