Kerala High Court Allows Neighbouring Schools To Challenge Order Permitting Co-Education In Erattupetta Muslim Girls' School

The Kerala High Court on Thursday (May 21) allowed the leave petition preferred by the Managers of neighbouring schools to appeal against the order that directed the Secretary of Erattupetta Municipality to grant approval for introducing co-education scheme in Muslim Girls' Higher Secondary School, Erattupetta— a girls-only school.

The Division Bench of Justice Anil K. Narendran and Justice Muralee Krishna S. however, clarified that the writ petitioner's right to raise question of maintainability of the writ appeal would not be affected:

"We find that this application for leave can be allowed, however without prejudice to the right of the first respondent/writ petitioner to raise the question of maintainability of the writ appeal, in the appropriate stage. In such circumstances, this IA is allowed subject to the aforesaid condition."

The Court then directed the Registry to number the appeal and post it for admission on Monday (May 25).

While hearing the case, the Court noted that final decision in the writ petition was taken even though no counter-affidavits were filed by the respondents, including the local body.

The leave petition to file writ appeal was preferred by two persons, who have also filed another writ petition (W.P.(C) No. 13677 of 2026) assailing the introduction of co-education in the school.

On May 12, when the interlocutory application seeking leave came before the Vacation Bench, it refused to stay the Single Bench's judgment but clarified that any decision taken pursuant to the impugned judgment would be subject to the final decision in the leave petition.

Case No: IA No. 1/2026 in WA No. 1029 of 2026 (Filing No.)

Case Title: K.A. Muhammed Ashraf and Anr. v. Muslim Girls' Higher Secondary School and Ors.