The Madras High Court has expressed concern over the Government’s restriction on appointing Physical Education Teachers, stating that a school must have at least 250 students for the post to be sanctioned.
The matter arose from writ petitions challenging staff fixation orders of the District Elementary Educational Officer, which rendered certain teaching posts, including Physical Education Teachers, as surplus and denied permission to fill them. Petitioners sought to quash these orders and allow their schools to fill the vacant posts.
Petitioners argued that the syllabus mandates two periods per day for Physical and Health Education. The Government’s restriction, they contended, is incongruous and hampers the overall development of children.
The Court observed that children’s physical and mental health is increasingly affected due to sedentary habits and online gaming. Child diabetes, depression, and related issues are on the rise, and an active body is essential for an active mind. The restriction on Physical Education Teachers was termed “strange” and “cause for concern,” as it impedes holistic child development.
The Court directed the Government and Education Department to file a report explaining their policy on Physical Education Teachers across all schools, including Government, Aided, Unaided, and Corporation Schools. The matter was posted for further hearing on 10.10.2025.
Case Title: The Secretary, SRP Middle School v. The Director of Elementary Education
Case No.: WP(MD) NO. 20585 of 2017
Coram: Justice P.T. Asha
Counsel for the Petitioner: Isaac chambers
Counsel for the Respondents: Additional Advocate General R.Baskaran, Government Advocate T.Amjad Khan
Picture Source :
