Kolkata: The Calcutta High Court on Wednesday set aside a single-bench Feb 2025 order dismissing a challenge to the formation of the Board of Governors of the La Martiniere Schools. Referring the case back to the single-bench, the HC directed for an expeditious hearing. The HC said the Oct 22, 1832 will of Claude Martin “indicate that the testator was a secular person”. The HC said the rule that non-Christians could not act as governors appears prima facie to be contrary to Martin’s will.A division bench of Justice Rajasekhar Mantha and Justice Anuj Singh said, “This Court, based on the earlier orders and decrees finds that there ought to be several ex-officio members as governors and nomination of at least four persons to run and manage the school. There is also a principal and treasurer who are required to be appointed.”TOI reached out to school secretary Supriyo Dhar, but he did not respond. Vishal Jhajharia, past president of Association of La Martiniere Alumni, said, “ALMA has been on the forefront of the legal fight to defend our legacy and heritage. We welcome the order as it vindicates our stand.”
