Thiruvananthapuram: The controversy sparked by the hugging incident at St Thomas Central School, Mukkolakkal, here, has been settled following the intervention of Shashi Tharoor MP.
During the talks held in this regard, the school management agreed to allow the female student involved to rejoin classes on Wednesday and the boy to sit for the exams starting on Thursday. Meanwhile, it was decided that the parents would withdraw the complaint they filed before the State Child Rights Commission.
The management softened its stand and agreed for a compromise after the issue attracted national attention. A few days ago, the school authorities had announced that the students involved could write their exams. Necessary clearances regarding their further studies would also be given. The management said that it would take up with the CBSE, the matter of attendance shortage faced by the students.
As part of the agreement to settle the hugging issue, the management asked the parents of the students involved not to pursue the cases under the consideration of the court. A final decision will be taken in this regard during another meeting scheduled for January 3.
The issue emerged during a western music competition held in the school on July 21. The female student had won the event and the boy, who was her friend, congratulated her with a hug. With the incident setting off a furore, the school authorities expelled both students. The parents of the students filed a complaint with the Child Rights Commission, which issued an interim order to take back the students. However, the school management approached the Kerala High Court against the Child Rights Commission order. The high court, considering the management’s plea, stayed the order of the Child Rights Commission.
The issue had meanwhile attracted national attention and local MP Tharoor convened the talks to find a solution.
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