GDS row: Landowners accuse school trust of defying arbitration award

Vadodara: The future of students studying at Global Discovery School (GDS) at Ampad near Sevasi has come under a cloud following an ongoing dispute between the landowners of the school premises and the trust operating the institution, with both sides trading allegations over an arbitration award and pending legal proceedings.

Addressing mediapersons on Tuesday, landowners Uttam Patel and Ramesh Patel alleged that the school trust had failed to comply with an arbitration award directing it to vacate the premises and clear outstanding dues.

According to the landowners, the dispute arises from alleged violations of a lease agreement executed between the trust and the owners of the land and building. They claimed the trust was required to pay rent based on a built-up area of 29,543sq ft but allegedly defaulted on payments stipulated under the agreement. Following legal notices issued in 2018 and subsequent proceedings, the matter was referred to arbitration pursuant to a Gujarat high court order in Sep 2023.

The landowners said the arbitrator, after hearing both parties and examining documents on record, passed an award on Oct 4, 2025, directing the trust to hand over peaceful possession of the premises by May 31, 2026. They further claimed the trust was ordered to pay Rs 3.68 crore towards outstanding rent along with 9% annual interest within 60 days of the award.

They alleged that despite the expiry of the deadline, the trust has neither vacated the premises nor paid the amount mentioned in the arbitration order. The landowners also claimed that parents were not informed about the arbitration proceedings or the award.

Expressing concern for students from pre-primary to Class 10, they said representations had been submitted to the district education officer, district collector and state education minister seeking intervention. They argued that if the issue remains unresolved, the interests of existing and prospective students could be affected.

Responding to the allegations, school principal Mrunali Macwan said the arbitration award dated Oct 4, 2025, has been challenged before the Vadodara district court and the matter is currently sub judice.

“Since the matter is pending before the competent court, it would not be appropriate to comment on the merits of the dispute,” she said.

Macwan maintained that there is no stay, restriction or adverse court direction affecting the functioning of the school. She said classes, academic operations and student-related activities are continuing normally and without disruption, and appealed for responsible communication to avoid causing unnecessary concern among students, parents and the school community.

In a separate statement, Pankaj Bindra, managing director of Global Discovery Academy Pvt Ltd (GDA), said the company remains committed to supporting and strengthening the institution in the interests of students, parents, teachers and its long-term educational objectives.

Bindra said the dispute extends beyond a conventional landlord-tenant disagreement and involves issues relating to infrastructure obligations, development responsibilities, execution work and financial liabilities connected with the school project. He claimed GDA and associated agencies had made significant investments and operational efforts over the years to ensure the institution’s continued functioning.

Reiterating that the arbitration award has been challenged before the district court and is pending adjudication, Bindra alleged that the landowners were presenting an incomplete picture of the dispute and attempting to exert pressure through public statements while judicial proceedings are underway.

“GDA reiterates that the institution is safe, functional and operating normally,” Bindra said, adding that the company would continue to support the school and pursue legal remedies available to it.