The Hindu

Bangalore, Aug 1: The Archbishop of Bangalore on Tuesday moved the Karnataka High Court against the decision of the State Government to transfer students of a polytechnic run by St. Patrick's Church, Brigade Road, Bangalore.

Archbishop Rev. Dr. Bernard Moras, who is the titular head of the Archdiocese of Bangalore, Fr. S. Jayanathan, who is the parish priest of St. Patrick's Church, and the Archdiocesan Board of Education have also challenged the refusal of the All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE) in not recognising the polytechnic.

The petitioners said St. Patrick's Parish (The Archdiocese is divided into several parishes and each of the parish is under the control of a parish priest) had an orphanage, educational institutions and a polytechnic.

They said the polytechnic had been set up to provide quality education to the poor and the institution had admitted students last year (2005-06), anticipating AICTE approval. The AICTE, however, said approval could not be given as the polytechnic failed to meet the minimum standards.

The polytechnic was subsequently told that the students it had admitted would be transferred to other institutions. It was also told not to admit students this year. The petitioners had moved the court against these orders and urged it to quash them.

Justice B.S. Patil ordered issue of notices to the State Government and other respondents and adjourned further hearing on the case.