Section 31: Appointment of Special Officer in certain circumstances

(1) Where the competent authority is of the opinion that the school committee of any private school,- (a) is responsible for the maladministration, misappropriation of funds and properties or lapses or irregularities, in such private school; or (b) has wilfully failed to prevent unlawful activities in such private school or has been engaged in such activities affecting the security, sovereignty or integrity of the State or has given protection or aid to any group or organisation banned by the Government; or (c) has wilfully failed to discharge any of the duties imposed on or to perform any of the functions entrusted to such school committee by or under this Act, or any rule or order made thereunder, the competent authority shall, after giving such school committee an opportunity of making representation, for reasons to be recorded in writing, by an order suspend the school committee and appoint a person as special officer till the reconstitution of the school committee, in the interest of the pupil. The competent authority may also suspend the financial powers of the office bearers as an immediate measure, if it is deemed necessary. (2) Where the appointment of a special officer is pending consideration of the Government, the competent authority may resort to direct payment. (3) Where a special officer is appointed under sub-section (1),- (a) the school committee shall cease to discharge the duties imposed on and to perform the functions entrusted to it; and (b) the special officer shall take all such steps as may be necessary to efficiently manage and run the school in accordance with any law applicable to the private school in so far as such law is not inconsistent with this Act. Explanation. - For the purposes of this section, the expression "law" includes any bye-law, rules, regulations, or instrument having the force of law.