Out of syllabus

A PIL was filed questioning the government’s action of requisitioning teachers for election duties during teaching hours for months on end. The petition pointed out that the Delhi School Education Act requires the functioning of schools for at least 210 days a year — a target that could not be achieved if teachers were continuously engaged in polling duties. Highlighting the constitutional obligation of the State to provide compulsory education to all children, the Supreme Court held that while holding elections is of paramount importance, education of children cannot be neglected for such a purpose. Teachers should not be requisitioned for election duties on teaching days and during school hours, the apex court ruled (Election commission of India vs St Mary’s School).

Pachyderm puzzle

A man died after he was attacked by an elephant at the door of his quarters at the plantation. His employers refused to pay workman’s compensation because the actual cause of death was cardiac arrest and it had not occurred in the course of employment. Rejecting the contention, the Madras High Court held that as the man encountered the elephant while in occupation of his quarters in the capacity of an employee, there was a causal connection between his employment and death. His death can certainly be considered as an accident arousing out of — and in the course of — his employment. Therefore his heirs are entitled to compensation and compassionate employment, the court ruled (Management of Injipara Estate vs Thylammal).