1. The petitioner has sought for a Mandamus, directing St. Little Flower Higher Secondary School, Chinna Salem, Kallakurichi Taluk, Villupuram District, 5th respondent herein, to pay a sum of Rs.5,00,000/- as compensation for the death of his son, Minor P. Suresh, who was in the custody of the 5th respondent-School on 21.12.1999 and award costs.

2. It is the case of the petitioner that his son, P. Suresh, aged about 5 years, was a student of Pre-Primary Class in St. Little Flower Higher Secondary School, Chinna Salem, 5th respondent. His daughter was also a student, in the same School. According to the petitioner, on 21.12.1999 Morning, he dropped his son in the said School and at 1.00 P.M., gave lunch. Around 4.00 P.M., when he went to the School to pick up his children, his daughter alone was there. His son was not found in the School premises. When he enquired the class teacher, Ms. Diana and other teachers, their reply was not satisfactory. Despite a thorough search and enquiry in all the places, his son's whereabouts were not known. Hence, at 8.00 P.M., he lodged a complaint with the Station House Officer, Attur Police Station, Salem District, 3rd respondent. But no rec