Overview

• The interim order applies solely to Sitapur district and does not challenge the merit of the state’s June 16 consolidation directive under NEP 2020.
• Chief Justice Arun Bhansali and Justice Jaspreet Singh paused the pairing of under-enrolled primary schools after noting glaring irregularities in documents submitted by the Basic Education Department.
• Two petitions filed on behalf of 22 Sitapur children argued that mandatory mergers would breach Article 21A of the Constitution and force young students to travel excessive distances.
• The court instructed state counsel to clarify the discrepancies in affidavit-backed merger records by the next hearing on August 21.
• The Uttar Pradesh government has defended the mergers as a means to optimise resources and enhance student development by consolidating schools with low enrollment.