The General Education Department has banned two schools, Mar Basil HSS Kothamangalam in Ernakulam and Navamukunda HSS, Thirunavaya, Malappuram, from participating in Kerala state school sports meet 2025-26 in the wake of protests by students of both these schools during the closing ceremony of Kerala School Games in November.

Director of General Education Shanavas S issued the order on Thursday based on the recommendations in the report submitted by a three-member committee which was constituted to probe the incident.

Tension erupted at the valedictory function of the sports meet after results were announced in the Best School category. The organisers awarded the second position to G V Raja sports school, triggering uproarious protests from the students of Mar Basil HSS Kothamangalam in Ernakulam and Navamukunda HSS, Thirunavaya, Malappuram. The official points table on the website showed Navamukunda HSS and Mar Basil HSS in second and third positions, respectively.

The issue began when GV Raja sports school was declared as runner-up, pushing Navamukunda HSS to third place and leaving Mar Basil HSS with no prize. There were complaints that cops on duty allegedly manhandled students who protested, and they were beaten and kicked by the police.

Minister for General Education V Sivankutty had said that there was a deliberate attempt to disrupt the function, and some of them acted in a way denting the prestige and honour of the sports meet.