The Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the Chandigarh Administration to submit a school-wise affidavit detailing whether the norms and standards prescribed under the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, have been met. If not, the administration must provide reasons for non-compliance.
The directive was issued during the hearing of a public interest litigation filed by Gurbir Singh Sekhon and other petitioners against the Central Board of Secondary Education and other respondents. The Division Bench, comprising the Chief Justice and Justice Sanjiv Berry, also instructed the UT Administration to provide details regarding the constitution and functioning of the State Advisory Council.
The court specifically asked for information on when the Council was constituted, how frequently it has met, and the dates of such meetings. Additionally, the Bench sought clarification on whether the Council has convened as often as mandated by the High Court's order of January 13, 2014, and if not, the reasons for the lapse.
During the proceedings, the court noted that an affidavit dated May 25 had already been submitted by the UT Administration in compliance with an earlier order of May 18. Taking this affidavit on record, the Bench observed: “We have heard the counsel for the rival parties and we feel that it would be appropriate and in the interest of justice for the UT Administration to file an affidavit disclosing school-wise that the norms and standards prescribed in the Schedule to the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, have been met or not? If not then why.”
The Bench further directed that a chart containing the required particulars be filed along with an affidavit from the Secretary of the Department of School Education, UT Administration. The case has been adjourned to July 29 for further hearing.
This development underscores the High Court's commitment to ensuring compliance with the RTE Act in Chandigarh schools, with a focus on transparency and accountability from the education authorities.
