Allahabad HC Seeks 5-Year RTE Admission Data From UP Schools, Demands Details Of Denied Admissions, Fee Complaints

The Allahabad High Court has requested Uttar Pradesh's government to provide five-year, school-specific data on student admissions under the Right to Education (RTE) Act. This data must include information about students whose admissions were denied or not processed by schools. The court also asked for details concerning complaints about capitation fees or screening methods in violation of the state's education policy. Additionally, it sought to know the actions taken in response to such complaints.

Justice Vinod Diwakar made this order while hearing a writ petition filed by St John's School, Babhanauti, Pachwal. The court noted that some private educational institutions recognized by the state may have been hesitant to admit children, thereby avoiding attendance fees and other charges typically charged by them. The court did not express an opinion on the validity of these allegations at this stage, and expects the state government to submit an affidavit by September 15, the date of the next hearing.

The bench directed all schools affiliated with CBSE, CISCE, and other boards to collaborate with the Basic Shiksha Adhikari and District Inspector of Schools to provide the required information. The court emphasized that this data was being sought solely to acquire a comprehensive overview and no judgment was being passed on the conduct of any school. It clarified that nothing in this order should be used against any institution until it has been given proper notice and in accordance with the law.