A Catholic school in Madhya Pradesh has run into trouble for collecting students’ fingerprints, an illegal act in India.

Officials of St. Anne’s Senior Secondary School in Madhya Pradesh state’s Sehore district have apologized and explained they undertook the exercise to prevent mischief makers from damaging school property.

The school was forced to declare a holiday yesterday [Feb. 15] after a student organization affiliated to the state’s ruling pro-Hindu party protested the school’s action.

The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarti Parishad (ABVP, all India students’ council) also asked the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to derecognize the school. The federal board controls secondary education in the country.

District collector Sandeep Yadav, the top government authority in the district, told UCA News today [Feb. 16] that the administration would not act against the school, but would inform the CBSE to initiate appropriate action.

Rajesh Chand, a lawyer, told UCA News that the school’s action was illegal as the law does not allow private groups to collect finger prints without prior approval from legal authorities.

Sister Ceilia John, the school principal, told UCA News that she regretted the developments.

The school collected the fingerprints of some students on Feb. 13 with the help of a parent who worked in the state forensic department, she said. “The objective was nothing more than to deter students from damaging fans, lights and other school properties,” she explained.

The principal said school officials “were totally unaware” of the law. “We never knew it would become such a controversy,” she added.

Meanwhile parents have rallied behind the school.

The controversy was whipped up to tarnish the school’s image, says Mohammed Anish Khan, a physician and parent of a student whose fingerprints were taken. “We have no grievance about the school for the fingerprint issue as it was done for a pious objective,” the Muslim parent told UCA News.

Khan also criticized the protestors for disrupting classes. “Even if someone has an objection he should take appropriate legal action rather than disrupt students’ studies,” he added.

The parents have also submitted a memorandum to higher officials in the district to seek protection for the school and action against those trying to disturb its functioning.