Allahabad High Court Orders Shutdown Of Unsafe 100-Year-Old Girls’ School In Lucknow

The Allahabad High Court ordered the suspension of all academic activities at Chutki Bhandar Girls Intermediate College in Lucknow after an inspection declared the 100-year-old building structurally unsafe and beyond repair.

A division bench comprising Justice Alok Mathur and Justice Brij Raj Singh passed the direction while hearing a public interest litigation concerning the deteriorating condition of the school premises.

According to inspection reports submitted by the District Inspector of Schools and Public Works Department engineers, the building showed severe structural damage, including shear failure cracks and roof instability. The Court observed that several classrooms had already been closed by the management due to safety concerns, while the remaining portions of the building also posed serious risk to students and staff.

The Bench directed authorities to stop all classes in the premises within one week and ensure relocation of students to nearby educational institutions. Parents were asked to first seek admissions independently, failing which the District Inspector of Schools would assist in securing alternative placements.

The Court also protected the interests of teaching and non-teaching employees by directing authorities to maintain continuity of service and related benefits after relocation.

Additionally, the management was permitted to seek government assistance under the “Alankar” Scheme for reconstruction of the school building. The matter is scheduled for further hearing in July 2026.