Overview
- A bench of Justices P.S. Narasimha and A.S. Chandurkar held that state and local authorities must ensure no child from weaker or disadvantaged sections is denied admission in neighbourhood schools.
- Authorities were directed to frame rules under Section 38 of the RTE Act, in consultation with the NCPCR and state commissions, to implement Section 12(1)(c).
- Private unaided neighbourhood schools are obligated to reserve 25% seats at entry level for eligible children, with reimbursement at the government’s per‑child cost.
- The Supreme Court impleaded the NCPCR, sought an affidavit, and kept the matter pending to monitor compliance and provide effective remedies.
- The case arose from a challenge to a 2016 Bombay High Court order tied to an online application lapse, with the Court addressing barriers such as digital illiteracy, language hurdles, and lack of transparency.