Sanchayita Lahkar

The High Court of Chhattisgarh Division Bench of Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Bibhu Datta Guru has directed the Secretary, School Education Department, Government of Chhattisgarh, to file a personal affidavit addressing specific issues arising from a reported incident in which students were served food licked by a dog at a government middle school. The court has ordered the affidavit to include confirmation on whether all affected students received anti-rabies vaccination, details of disciplinary measures against those responsible, information on any compensation provided to students, and the steps to be taken to prevent such incidents in the future.

The proceedings arose from a suo motu public interest litigation concerning deficiencies in the functioning of the Women and Child Development Department, Government of Chhattisgarh, specifically in relation to the serving of mid-day meals in schools. On 30 January 2025, the Secretary, Women and Child Development Department, and the District Magistrate, Balod, were directed to file personal affidavits regarding the report of the Court Commissioner, Shri Amiya Kant Tiwari. The affidavits stated that deficiencies noted in the report had been addressed by the concerned authorities, with actions taken by the District Programme Officer, Women and Child Development, Balod.

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On 3 August 2025, news reports published in Hindi dailies Navbharat and Haribhoomi described an incident at a Government Middle School in village Lachhanpur, Block Palari, District Balodabazar, where on 28 July 2025, food licked by a stray dog was served to students. Reports indicated that following parental complaints, 83 students were given two doses of anti-rabies vaccine. The parents demanded an inquiry and strict action against the responsible parties. The Collector, Balodabazar, temporarily removed the Jai Lakshmi Swa Sahayta Samuh from service, and the Sub Divisional Magistrate, Palari, formed an investigation committee headed by the Sub Divisional Officer.

The news reports indicated conflicting figures on the number of affected students: Haribhoomi reported 84 students consumed the food and 78 received the first dose of anti-rabies vaccine. The District Education Officer issued notices to the Head Master and Cluster Coordinator, with further action pending receipt of their replies.

The court recorded: "It is highly surprising that the Swa Sahayta Samuh who are responsible for serving food to the students, are performing their duties in a casual manner without keeping in mind the safety and hygiene." The court noted that photographs published with the news showed utensils lying in an open area vulnerable to contamination by stray animals. It observed: "The teachers who are posted in the school also appear to be least concerned about the safety of the children which is gross negligence."

Regarding the handling of the contaminated food, the court observed: "As soon as it came to the knowledge of the teachers that the food has been licked by the dog, it should have been disposed of and no students should have been allowed to eat the same." The court stated: "There appears to be serious dereliction on the part of the Swa Sahayta Samuh as well as the teachers and the life of the students have been put to danger as once a person is infected with rabies, there is no cure available."

It further recorded: "Providing food to the students studying in the schools is not an empty formality and the same has to be done with dignity." The court stressed: "A person, especially innocent child cannot be served any eatables which has been licked / soiled by a dog."

The court directed the Secretary, School Education Department, Government of Chhattisgarh, to file a personal affidavit addressing the following:

1. Whether each and every student who consumed the contaminated food has been administered anti-rabies vaccine doses.

2. What action has been taken against the Swa Sahayta Samuh and the teachers or Head Master of the concerned school.

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3. Whether any compensation has been provided to the students due to the negligence which endangered their lives.

4. What precautionary measures the Department will implement to prevent recurrence of such incidents in the future.

The matter has been listed for further hearing on 19 August 2025.

Advocates Representing the Parties:

For the Respondents: Mr. Y.S. Thakur, Additional Advocate General for the State; Mr. Ashish Tiwari, Counsel for the Municipal Corporation, Bhilai-Charoda

 
Case Title: Suo Moto Public Interest Litigation Versus The Chief Secretary & Others

Case Number: WPPIL No. 75 of 2023

Bench: Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha, Justice Bibhu Datta Guru