Bhubaneswar, Feb 13: Orissa High Court has questioned the efficacy of the authorities to ensure safety of school students. The court has sought status report from the School and Mass Education department on Friday.

The petition said four students of Chandrasekharpur Government High School-Phase I had drowned to death in Barang-Puri canal on their way to school six years ago.

Their parents sought compensation alleging negligence of the school authorities. As the authorities did not respond to their plea, the parents filed a petition before the Orissa High Court.

Admitting the petition, a High Court bench fixed the date for next hearing on February 26 and asked the government to file the counter affidavit by then.