Sarib Abdullah, President of a Parent Teacher Association (PTA), tore down two school classrooms without getting permission. He claimed it was for student safety, but the court didn't agree, pointing out political motives.
Sarib Abdullah, also known as Jim, was the PTA President at Kottaipattinam Government Higher Secondary School. In 2018, two classrooms were in bad shape, and no one did anything about it. So, the PTA decided to tear them down in 2019. But, Abdullah did this without official permission, and it caused problems.
Sarib Abdullah argued the complaint was politically driven. He was part of the AIADMK party, while the person who complained was from the rival DMK party. He said he acted only to keep students safe.
"The complaint is politically motivated as he belongs to the AIADMK party, while the complainant belongs to DMK."
The court noted that the PTA didn't have the right to tear down a public school building. This required approval from the Public Works Department (PWD) and the School Education Department. Since this wasn't done, the act was considered illegal.
Justice B. Pugalendhi rejected Sarib Abdullah's request to stop the legal process. The court pointed out that Abdullah continued as PTA President even after his child left the school, which was against PTA rules.
"The Parents Teacher Association platforms are used as instruments for personal or political ends, rather than serving the institution."
The court stressed the importance of PTAs sticking to their intended roles. They should focus on cooperation between parents and teachers, not political rivalry. The court directed that only parents of current students should be PTA leaders.
The court decided that Sarib Abdullah acted without proper permission and used his position for political reasons. The PTA should focus on helping the school community, not personal or political goals.
