Kerala High Court has refused to allow schools in the state to conduct vacation classes for students.

This decision came in response to a petition challenging an order issued by the Director of General Education (DGE) that directed all government primary, secondary, and higher secondary schools to refrain from conducting vacation classes.

In the said matter, the petitioners argued that the DGE does not possess the authority to issue such an order against CBSE schools.

Justice PV Kunhikrishnan, while delivering the order, highlighted the importance of providing students with a much-needed break after an arduous academic year.

"After a hectic academic year, the students need a break. That is why the summer vacation is given to the students," stated Justice Kunhikrishnan.

The court during a hearing also mentioned the significance of allowing students to enjoy their vacations and rejuvenate before the next academic year. The holiday break provides students with an opportunity to divert their attention from traditional study materials and explore their other interests in extracurricular activities, which often go unaddressed during the school year, the order said.

"Summer vacation is necessary to the students for spending time with their kith and kin and for a mental break," the order further stated.

The Kerala High Court acknowledged the importance of leisure and recreation in a student's life. It emphasised that summer vacations are a time for students to engage in activities they love, such as singing, dancing, and playing their favourite sports.

These activities not only contribute to their physical and mental well-being but also foster their overall development.

The High Court also expressed disagreement with a previous ruling based on a 2018 decision, which allowed schools to conduct special classes during summer vacations if there was no objection from parents, teachers, and students, provided that basic facilities were provided by the school authorities.

Justice Kunhikrishnan deemed it necessary to reconsider this dictum and referred the matter to a division bench.

With the Kerala High Court's ruling, schools across the state will need to abide by the decision and refrain from conducting vacation classes for students. The court's emphasis on the well-being and holistic development of students serves as a reminder that breaks and leisure time are essential for their overall growth and mental rejuvenation.