In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court of India has rejected a plea by private schools in Maharashtra seeking to restore their exemption from the Right to Education (RTE) Act quota. The ruling reaffirms the application of the RTE Act’s reservation provisions across all schools, regardless of their private status.
The petition was filed by a consortium of private schools in Maharashtra, which sought relief from the RTE Act’s mandate requiring them to reserve a certain percentage of seats for students from economically weaker sections (EWS) and disadvantaged groups. The schools argued that the financial burden of complying with this quota was untenable and requested the court to reinstate their exemption.
The Supreme Court, however, upheld the earlier ruling that mandates all private schools to adhere to the RTE Act’s provisions. The court emphasized that the RTE Act aims to provide equitable educational opportunities and ensure that children from underprivileged backgrounds have access to quality education. By rejecting the plea, the Supreme Court has reinforced the principle that educational institutions, irrespective of their private or public status, must contribute to this fundamental goal.
This decision is expected to have widespread implications for private schools across Maharashtra and potentially beyond. Schools will need to continue reserving seats as stipulated under the RTE Act, ensuring compliance with the law’s requirements for inclusivity and fairness.
The ruling has been met with mixed reactions. While advocates of the RTE Act applaud the decision as a step towards ensuring equal educational opportunities, private school operators have expressed concerns about the financial strain and logistical challenges of implementing the quota.
The Supreme Court’s decision underscores its commitment to upholding the principles of the RTE Act and ensuring that the right to education remains accessible to all children, regardless of their socio-economic background.