Kerala High Court Refuses To Stay Order Permitting Introduction Of Co-Education In Muslim Girls' School At Erattupetta
The Kerala High Court on Tuesday (May 12) refused to stay a judgment 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 Vacation Bench of Justice A. Badharudeen and Justice Muralee Krishna S. was considering a leave petition to file writ appeal preferred...
The Kerala High Court on Tuesday (May 12) refused to stay a judgment 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 Vacation Bench of Justice A. Badharudeen and Justice Muralee Krishna S. was considering a leave petition to file writ appeal preferred by two persons including one K.A. Muhammed Ashraf, who has also filed another writ petition (W.P.(C) No. 13677 of 2026) assailing the introduction of co-education in the school.
The Court opined Ashraf's interim application seeking leave to appeal the Single Bench's decision had to be heard in detail. Thus, it posted the same for hearing on May 21. However, it clarified that any decision taken pursuant to the impugned judgment would be subject to the final decision in the leave petition:
"Whether leave sought for is to be granted or not is a matter to be heard in detail...In the meantime, this Court is not inclined to stay the implementation of the judgment in W.P.(C).No.15783/2026...But, any decision passed in pursuance of the said judgment shall be subject to the final decision in the leave petition."
While directing the Secretary of the Municipality to expeditiously grant approval for introducing co-education, the Single Bench had also observed that in case approval is not granted within 3 days, the school management can proceed with the conversion even without the Municipality's approval.
The Single Judge had also questioned the government circular that mandates approval of local-self body for introducing co-education scheme in single gender schools, noting that it does not prescribe any procedure that has to be followed by the body.
The petition is moved by Advocate K.A. Manzoor Ali.
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.