In Brief
The Supreme Court upheld the State of Kerala's takeover of four aided primary schools formerly managed by private institutions under Section 15 of the Kerala Education Act, 1958. The managers had sought to close the schools but the State exercised its statutory power to take them over to ensure continuity of education. The Court held that the State's satisfaction regarding takeover must exist when the decision is made—in this case before the schools actually closed—and subsequent procedural steps (Legislative Assembly approval and notification) do not divest that valid decision. The Court rejected arguments that Section 15 conflicted with the Land Acquisition Act, 2013, finding both statutes operate in distinct legislative fields. Compensation at market value was properly determined. The takeover served compelling public interest in providing primary education to children."
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