Private schools can be closed, nationalised: Supreme Court

islamabad — The Supreme Court on Monday said it can direct the government to take control of private educational institutes if they run foul of law.

Justice Gulzar Ahmed’s remarks came as he headed a three-judge Supreme Court bench hearing a contempt of court case against two private schools.

During the hearing, Justice Ijazul Ahsan censured private school authorities and said: “How did you have the audacity to term the court’s decision regarding hike in school fee “a draconian judgement”? Your letters to parents are in contempt of court.” Justice Gulzar said: “What kind of things do you write? We should close your schools and can even nationalise them. We can ask the government to handle the administrative affairs of your schools.”

The counsel of the private schools then said: “We apologise to the court. No such thing will happen again.”

At this, Justice Gulzar said: “You can submit a written apology and we will take a look. We will get an audit done to check whether you have black or white money.”

“Education has been made into a business,” he said and added, “Schools are not a money-making industry.”

Justice Gulzar further said: “There’s not a drop of shame in the eyes of private school owners.” The counsel of the private schools told the bench: “We did not intend to insult the court and have implemented court orders and reduced fee.”

However, Justice Gulzar remarked: “We are aware of the kind of comments that were passed after the court order. Why don’t we deal with private schools and order the government to take charge of them. Schools are neither an industry nor a money-making sector.”

“Private school administrators ask parents questions which are unimaginable. Who are private schools administrators to ask parents where they take their children for holidays and entertainment? Those schools which charge high fee become famous,” the judge censured.—

Private school administrators ask parents questions which are unimaginable. Who are private schools administrators to ask parents where they take their children for holidays and entertainment? Those institutions which charge high fee become famous

Justice Gulzar Ahmed, A Supreme Court judge