Patna: The Patna High Court has stayed an order to shut down Foundation Academy, a private school operating within the IIT Patna campus in Bihta.
In its order, a single-judge bench of Justice Alok Kumar Sinha directed the IIT administration to unlock the school premises and ensure that the academic session beginning April 1, 2026 proceeds without disruption. The court also asked IIT to file a counter-affidavit within two weeks.
The ruling came after a petition filed by the Vishwaswan Education and Welfare Society, which runs the school.
Dispute Over Eviction Notice
During the hearing, senior advocate Rajiv Singh, appearing for the petitioner, told the court that the school caters to around 800 students from nursery to Class 12, including children of IIT staff, Air Force personnel, NDRF members and residents of nearby areas.
He argued that IIT Patna had earlier permitted the school to operate until the end of the 2027–28 academic session through a letter dated March 21, 2021. However, a subsequent notice issued on March 19, 2026 directed the school to vacate the campus by March 30, prompting the legal challenge.
Singh contended that the move to shut down the school was unlawful and would adversely affect hundreds of students mid-session.
Counsel for IIT Patna sought time from the court to respond to the allegations and address the issues raised in the petition.
Interim Relief And Next Hearing
Granting IIT two weeks to file its response, the court stayed the eviction order for now, effectively allowing the school to continue functioning.
The matter is scheduled for its next hearing on May 5, 2026.
