Once holy, education has become a lucrative business: HC”* *Madras High Court, Madurai Bench |

[09/05, 18:29] sekarreporter1: [09/05, 18:29] sekarreporter1: [09/05, 18:28] sekarreporter1: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/madurai/once-holy-education-has-become-a-lucrative-business-hc/articleshow/130973955.cms
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[09/05, 18:29] sekarreporter1: English
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*“Once holy, education has become a lucrative business: HC”*
*Madras High Court, Madurai Bench | Times of India | March 2026*

*1. The case*
A 5-year-old UKG student died on March 24, 2026, after a car hit her inside a private school campus in Tenkasi. Father V. Marisamy alleged the school didn’t even inform him – he found out only at the hospital. He filed HC plea for a *CB-CID probe*, unhappy with police investigation.

*2. What CCTV showed*
Watchman tried to stop the car because students were about to leave, but the occupants forced entry and drove rashly. Police have identified the accused.

*3. HC’s remark & order*
> _“Education, which was once considered holy, has now become a lucrative business.”_

Court directed Tenkasi SP to assign a _“sincere officer of DSP or Inspector rank”_ to investigate properly.

*4. Why the court said this*
The case reflects larger issues: private schools prioritizing money over safety. Courts have repeatedly held:
– *TMA Pai 2002*: _“Education cannot be a business.”_
– *Madras HC 2022*: Capitation fee is illegal. Parents’ desperation turned a _“noble occupation into an opportunity to make money.”_
– *SC 2022*: No tax exemption if institutions are profit-oriented, not charitable.

*Takeaway*: HC used this tragic incident to call out commercialization of education and lack of student safety in private schools.

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